Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
Joined 2023
There are so many temples on Mount Koya. The famous graveyard is also massive. The scene is mysterious. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka, but you are in another world once you arrive. You can learn about Buddhism in Japan while immersed in a unique atmosphere there. Mt. Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. High Priest Kukai founded it and began building temples here. I will explain why the Japanese people love Kukai.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At you hotel lobby
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka
Namba Station
Take the Nankai railway train from Namba or Shinimamiya
Daimon Gate ~ Large Front Gate ~
The entrance to Koyasan. It is one of the few places, along with the cable car station, you can look down far below. 25 meters high, the gate was rebuilt in 1705 and has been preserved. It is famous for the spectacular view of the sunset. Once you enter this gate, you will forget you are on high mountains. Yes, this wonderland starts here.
Danjo Garan
The main area of Mt. Koya is called Dnajo Garan, where you can find gates, Buddhist statue halls, pagodas, practice halls, a belfry, and so on. Among them, the Konpon Daito pagoda is particularly eye-catching. Pagodas were considered important in the Shingon sect. Kukai started to build some of those first. Each of them has its stories. I will tell you about some.
Kongobuji: Headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
In the past, the entire Mt. Koya area was called the Kongobuji Temple. However, after various changes, this temple was established as the central temple of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and named Kongobuji Temple. Visitors can see historical architecture, a beautiful stone garden, and many masterpieces of painting.
Lunch
Lunch at a temple if you like
Okuno-in ~Kukai has been meditating still now since the 9th century~
Let's walk along the cemetery with a thousand-year-old trees. You will see various types of uncountable graves; some are very old, and some are very funny. At the innermost, there is a mausoleum of Kukai. People believe that Kukai is still making practice here to keep meditating. We visit such a sacred place.
Drop off
Your Hotel or Namba station
Ending Point
At you hotel lobby or the station
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
-Transportation fee (you and the guide) about 5,500 yen/per person
-Lunch (you and the guide) at the temple about 4,000~6,000/per person, or at a more reasonable restaurant for about 1,200 yen
-Admission fees (you only) 1,000 yen/per person
Tour Important Information
As it is a sacred place, please avoid wearing extremely casual clothes.
There are nice train services from Osaka to Mt. Koya. You can easily get there just by taking one of these trains and cable cars. And already, you are in another world. You will see more foreign tourists than locals. Foreign tourists have taught us that we rarely see such a special place in other countries. Thousand-year-old trees look down on us. You can appreciate the aesthetics in any season.
Available in the all year around
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 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Julie M.
“Beautiful Day in Nara with Shuji San!”
We have just spent the most wonderful day visiting Nara with Shuji. If you are looking for someone who is friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, he is the guide for you. Also, we were there on a holiday for Japan and he was very skilled at leading us in such a way that we did not feel crowded even though there were many people visiting. A perfect way to finish our trip to Japan!
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You are fantastic travelers because of your wide understanding of different cultures and history. I also enjoyed the conversation about history and culture very much. I hope this beautiful day will be added to the memories of your wonderful trip to Japan. Have a comfortable flight to California!
George B.
“2 wonderful days in Kyoto”
We have just spent 2 wonderfull days guided by Shuji-san around Kyoto through gardens, palaces, shrines and temples. It is a remarkable adventure enhanced a hundred times over by the experience, sensibility, and historical knowledge of Mr. Shuji. It is our first time in Japan and I believe that his advice and guidance have been wonderful, and in retrospect absolutely necessary. Would highly reccomend.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your warm words. Your wonderful fitness and curiosity opened up many possibilities for the tour. We enjoyed the unexpectedly late plum blossoms and had plenty of time to enjoy the popular sights that were not crowded in the early morning. And we also enjoyed the conversation very much. I hope this pleasant tour will be a wonderful memory for both of you. Shuji O.
Betsy H.
“We enjoyed Nara very much”
Shuji is knowledgeable and made good choices as to what sites we saw. There were problems, however. I had repeatedly told him about my husband's disabilities and he did not allow for these in some cases. It would probably have been better to have a private driver in Nara because there was never a taxi available between sites and we walked far more than was comfortable for my husband.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review. Yes, I should have strongly recommended you a private car with a driver. Although I sometimes kept the taxi waiting for us in some places or used priority ways, it seems it was not enough for your husband. I'm so sorry if it was so hard for him. Because of your patience and cooperation, you could visit all the places we planned. I hope you can enjoy your long trip ahead.
$267/ per group
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