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Overnight trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka
Joined 2019
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well. In this tour we will visit Mt. Koya and walk the Women's Pilgrimage
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka or Kansai International Airport
Daimon Gate
Twenty-five meters high wooden gate Daimon marks the official entrance to Mt. Koya. Stand inside are two big statues of Nio Buddha. They have scary faces. Who is Nio? Why does he look scary? I will explain.
Local Buddhists’ Vegetable Lunch (Shojin Ryori)
Mt. Koya is famous for its vegetarian cuisine which is very well known as “shojin ryori”. Sesame tofu which contains a lot of protein is one of the most famous shojin ryori in Mt. Koya. Enjoy sesame tofu shojin ryori lunch at a restaurant near Daimon. *Subjects to availability.
Danjo Garan (Temple Complex which expresses the concept of the Universe)
Stand in Danjo Garan are Konpon Fundamental Pagoda, Golden Hall, Shintoism Shrine, Central Gate, West Pagoda, East Pagoda and other important facilities.
High Priest Kukai tried to express the world of mandala by arranging Konpon Fundamental Pagoda in the center and other important temples and pagodas around it. And expressed inside Konpon Fundamental Pagoda is a 3D mandala.
Mandala is a picture which expresses the universe in Buddhism. I always feel that I am a part of the universe at Danjo Garan. I will tell you why.
Kongobuji Honzan (Headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism)
Kongobuji was named so by Kukai when it was constructed in 816. Nowadays the Koyasan Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism has about 4000 affiliated temples throughout Japan and overseas and is headquartered here. Buddhist altar rooms and guest rooms in the temple are beautifully decorated and you can feel the profoundness of Buddhism arts. Many of the existing buildings are the reconstruction of 1862.
Kongozanmaiin Temple
This temple is a hidden treasure of Koyasan. The pagoda in the precincts was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest remaining pagodas in the Japan and is designated as a national treasure.
Your shukubo hotel
There are many temples in Mt. Koya which offer lodging. They are called shukubo.
Day 2
You will be able to take part in the Buddhism ritual early in the morning. Taking part in the ritual will be an unforgettable experience for you.
Women's Pilgrimage Route
We will walk women's pilgrimage route Nyonin Michi for an hour. This pilgrimage route has ups and downs.
Okuno-in (Inner Sanctuary where people meet High Priest Kukai)
At the end of the pilgrimage path, beyond the uncountable number of tomb stones, there is a mausoleum of Kukai. People believe that Kukai is still alive here to keep meditating. Why are there so many tombs here? Why does Kukai keep meditating at Okuno-in? I will explain.
Mt. Koya- Osaka
After lunch, we will leave Mt. Koya to Osaka, we will arrive at Osaka around five.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Osaka or Kansai International Airport
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee,hotel pick up in Down Town Osaka
Insurance
Transportation Approx. JPY6,000 per person plus same amount for guide
Koyasan Buddhists’ Vegetarian Lunch; from JPY2,700 per person and same amount for guide
Accommodation for guests
Accommodation for Guide ( price varies depending on the day of stay and booking, ask for details)
Tour Important Information
As we will walk a lot, comfortable shoes are recommended.
It is cooler in Koyasan than in Osaka by five degrees, be prepared for this cooler weather.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch for you and guide are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Transportation approx. JPY6,000 per person plus same amount for guide
Koyasan Buddhists’ Vegetarian Lunch from JPY2,700 per person and same amount for guide
Accommodation
Accommodation for GUIDE
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Reviews
Julia E.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
“Outstanding introduction to the wonders of Kyoto”
We visited the Fushimi Inari shrine complex, Arishiyama, Ryoanji temple, Kinkakuji temple and their gardens with Hiroyuki yesterday. One couldn’t find a more knowledgeable, thoughtful and pleasant guide to the marvels of Kyoto! It was a great experience.
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was really nice meeting you in Kyoto yesterday. It was a surprise to know that you knew the Tale of Genji. I guided a lot of people to Nonomiya Shrine but you were the second person who knew it. I had a wonderful time myself with you. It was a great joy spending time with such an intelligent people. Hiro
“Great Day in Osaka with our Exceptional guide Hiroyuki!”
My wife and I took a day trip from Kyoto to Osaka in the last week of October 2024. We were met promptly by Hiro and began our tour about 9:00am. Hiro discussed what sites and places we planned on visiting as well as what more could be added if time permitted. The list included Osaka Castle, Krromon Market, Dotombori Streets ,Shitenoji Temple, and Shinsekai . Hiro is an experienced communicator and lecturer as we learned so much about the history of Japan/Osaka during the 1600"s. Hiro wrote specific details on a note pad describing the history of the Tokugawa Period. Our visit to Shitenoji Temple was a major highlight because a High Priest was praying while we were inside the Temple. That was simply amazing! As the day continued, we stopped for a quick taste of Tempura in the Kuromon Market. Delish! We had time to do some shopping at a market with numerous choices of quality goods, especially Japanese knives. We did end up in Shinsekai which is what I would say is a don't miss this part of Osaka. At the end of the day, our final comment was we had an unforgettable day in Osaka, Japan and we would like to thank our GOWITYHGUIDE Hiro T. for a day we will always remember! Very professional guide who exposed us to so much Osaka has to offer. Highly recommend this GOWITHGUIDE....
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was very nice meeting you and your wife in Osaka the other days. I myself spent a good time with you because you showed a lot of interest and respect to Japanese culture, religions and history. There are much more to see in Japan, please come back to Japan again. Hiro
Adeline K.
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
“Visiting Koyasan During a Rainstorm ”
Hiroyuki has very deep knowledge of Buddhism and history of Koyasan. Aware of an approaching extratropical cyclone he briefed me on the site locations in advance everytime he had an opportunity. When the rainstorm hit we could only do one stop of the Danjo Garan which consisted of a complex of temples. However, I was very satisfied with my tour and visit to Koyasan as I felt that Hiro had done a great job explaining the temple complex clearly and didn't feel I had missed out much.
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was unfortunate that heavy rain hit that area when we were there. It's rare to have heavy rain in November. I am sorry about it. Next time, let's visit Nachi waterfall together and walk World Heritage Pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo. Take care and enjoy your tour in Japan It just started. Hiro
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