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A Journey to Koyasan – The Heart of Japanese Buddhism
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Joined 2018
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Japan at Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the mystical Okunoin Cemetery, explore the historic Danjo Garan temple complex, and admire the artistry of Kongobuji Temple. Enjoy a traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) lunch prepared by monks. This 7-hour journey offers a peaceful retreat into Japan’s rich Buddhist heritage.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Tengachaya st.
Gokurakubashi
Gokurakubashi, or “Bridge to Paradise,” is the gateway to Mount Koya. Nestled in the forest, this quiet station is where you transfer to the cable car that takes you up to the sacred temple town. The journey marks the start of your spiritual adventure.
Okunoin
Take a peaceful walk through Japan’s largest and most sacred cemetery, leading to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The atmospheric path, lined with centuries-old cedar trees and thousands of moss-covered gravestones and lanterns, offers a deeply spiritual experience. The further you go, the quieter and more mystical it becomes—culminating at the sacred mausoleum, where it is believed Kobo Daishi rests in eternal meditation.
Danjo Garan
Danjo Garan is the spiritual center of Koyasan, founded by Kobo Daishi as a place for Buddhist study and training. The complex includes the bright vermilion Konpon Daito Pagoda, symbolizing the cosmic Buddha, and several sacred halls used for important rituals. Surrounded by tall cedar trees, this peaceful site reflects the deep spiritual atmosphere of Koyasan and offers a glimpse into over 1,200 years of Buddhist tradition.
Lunch time (Shojin cuisine)
Shojin Ryori Lunch
Enjoy a beautifully prepared traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal, made with seasonal mountain vegetables, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients. Rooted in Buddhist philosophy, shojin ryori is not only healthy and satisfying but also reflects the spirit of mindfulness and respect for all living things. It’s a peaceful and flavorful experience unique to places like Koyasan.
Tengachaya st
Ending Point
Tengachaya st
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
-Guide transportation from home to your hotel
-Hotel Pick up service
-public transportation fee to Mt Koya
-Food and snacks
-insurance fee
-extra private transportation fee
Tour Important Information
-Let me know at least 10days before trip.
- Itinerary may be changed in any unexpected situation, bad weather, heavy rain or so on
Important message from the supplier
give me your details at least 10days ahead.
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 2018
About Tour Guide Nobuko O.
Hello, fellow adventurers! I'm Nobuko, your enthusiastic guide through the captivating cities of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and the beautiful Wakayama region, including the awe-inspiring Koya-mountain.
Currently, I call Osaka, near Kansai Airport, my home. My journey into cultural exploration began here and has enriched my perspective while deepening my love for Japan. Now, I'm excited to share the wonders of these destinations with you, from the well-known attractions to the hidden gems in Wakayama.
Our journey together will encompass not only the well-trodden paths of Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka but also the serene and spiritual experiences that await in Wakayama and the mystical Koya-mountain. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper connection to Japan's rich heritage!
★ My schedule is currently closed as a precaution against unauthorized use of itineraries. It will reopen once we agree on the plan. Please text me and specify how you'd like me to assist you in arranging your tour.
Reviews
Mary D.
“The finest of Travel Guides.”
NoNo is absolutely amazing. Her knowledge is deep and delivered in a fun manner. She was highly adaptable to our needs and very considerate. We sat down for lunch and I asked NoNo to go through the history of the Samurai, Shogun and the Emperor - out came a chart, wow, I could place Henry V111 in and Queen Victoria where certain events were, we loved her. Thank you NoNo, you made this day highly memorable and we appreciate you even more for that. Go well our friend.
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Nobuko O.
Dear Mary-san and Jo-san, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind message! It was truly an honor to spend the day with both of you. Your generosity, warmth, and curiosity made guiding such a joy, and I felt very fortunate to share the experience with you. I deeply appreciated your openness and enthusiasm throughout our time together. Moments like these—when I can connect with such thoughtful and wonderful people—are what make my work so rewarding. It was an absolute pleasure, and I will always cherish the memories of our day together. I hope our paths cross again someday! With heartfelt gratitude, NoNo
Lia M.
“Above and beyond”
Nobuko went above and beyond to make our experience special. Our party had members with strict dietary issues, and she made sure to book meals at places that could accommodate them. She is a warm, personable, and felt like a member of the family. Highly, highly recommend!
Nobuko O.
Dear Lia san, Thank you so much for your lovely words! It really warmed my heart. I felt so lucky to spend time with all of you — like being part of one big, happy family! The meals you kindly treated me to were absolutely delicious and made for such unforgettable moments. I’ll always treasure those special times we shared. Please let me guide you around our hometown again when you come back! With love from Japan, Nobuko
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Rick W.
“Kobe was a great place to visit ”
Nono Again her attention to detail and organisation of this tour was amazing , she also worked out an itinerary for me prior to our meet up that allowed me to soak up areas of interest in Kobe , Thank you Nono so much Regards Rick
Nobuko O.
Dear Rick san, The view from the shrine you discovered on the hillside in Kobe was truly beautiful. Thank you for guiding the guide — I really appreciated your thoughtful insights. I’m also grateful for your warm and open-hearted attitude throughout the tour. You are one of my very special and valued guests. Warm regards, Nobuko
$474/ per person
More tours by Nobuko O.
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Western Kyoto Tour
We can go to Arashiyama to visit bamboo forests and explore some temples with Japanese gardens. The golden pagoda, Kinkakuji,you'll appreciate the most shiniest pagoda in Kyoto. Kitano Tenmangu shrine to pray for academic luck for your studies. Nijyo castle, the old history and story of the castle in Kyoto.
Western Kyoto Tour
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Kobe beef & highlights in Kobe from my local
We take pride in our local connection that allows a swift journey from KIX airport to the beautiful Kobe area via a high-speed boat.Starting with a quick trip to Kobe, relishing the finest Kobe beef, and hit the major sightseeing attractions and waterfront area via loop bus, all tailored to our local ways.
Kobe beef & highlights in Kobe from my local
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Explore Best View Of Eastern Kyoto Tour
We can go to the Ginkakuji temple by bus and walk along the philosopher's path. Then visit Heian shrine or Nanzenji temple. After that, Gion district to Kiyomizu-temple, we can appreciate different historical sites and shops too. It should be 1.5hs walk. Take a bus or taxi if we get tired or run out of time but it could be easy walk and we gonna have a great time I guess.
Explore Best View Of Eastern Kyoto Tour
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Kyoto one day tour
Let me show you the imperial capital of Japan and one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a great place to get lost in. So, get out, walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere in your free time. Kyoto has a great bus network linking all its key sites, so hop on the bus to also get around.
Kyoto one day tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Mount Koya
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【Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji】 Private tour
We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.
【Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji】 Private tour
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【Kongobuji & Garan】 Private tour with a Koyasan resident
We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.
【Kongobuji & Garan】 Private tour with a Koyasan resident
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One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
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.
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
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Okunoin＆Ancient pilgrimage trails Lunch with panorama view
“Women Pilgrims Route” is said to be “the most beautiful trail” among the mountain paths around Koyasan. After attending a ritual in Okunoin, we are going to hike some of the “Women Pilgrims Route” that even forest experts recommend. At the end of the tour you will eat local specialties while watching the spectacular panorama of the mountains registered as World Heritage Sites.
Okunoin＆Ancient pilgrimage trails Lunch with panorama view