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Mt. Koya and Women's Pilgrimage Route
Buddhism sacred mountain Mt. Koya was forbidden to women until the 19th century. Women were not allowed to enter the sacred place. Even so, women headed for Mt. Koya, walked the pilgrimage route, and finally walked the Women's Pilgrimage Routes to come closer. On this tour, we will walk a part the Women’s Pilgrimage Routes that still remain there, followed by visits to the Danjo Garan Temple Complex, Honzan Headquarters and the Inner Sanctuary Okunoin.
Meeting Point
Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt.Koya, or in Osaka
Women's Pilgrimage Route
Women, who were not allowed to enter the sacred site of Mt. Koya, pilgrimed there to walk the Women's Pilgrimage Route which connected women's halls stood at the end of each of the seven pilgrimage routes. We will make a 40-minute pilgrimage from the only remaining women's hall to Daimon Gate following a 2-kilometer mountain trail.
Daimon Gate
This 25m high wooden gate marks the official entrance to Mt. Koya. Stand inside are two big statues of Nio. They have scary faces. Who is Nio? Why does he look scary? I will explain.
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 represents the world of Buddhas. 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.
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.
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.
End of the tour
Ending Point
Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt.Koya
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Insurance
Bus fare in Mt. Koya
Entrance fees
Lunch for guests and guide
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 are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Bus ride in Koyasan JPY840 per person plus same amount for guide
Local Buddhists’ Vegetarian Lunch JPY2,700 plus same amount for guide.
I can meet you in downtown Osaka, if you prefer with charge. Ask for details.
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
Mount Koya Tour Reviews
Christina R.
Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days with car
“A Perfect Private Tour”
Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!
“Great Day Out with Hiro”
We had a great day touring Osaka with Hiro! The weather was hot and humid, and Hiro adjusted the schedule as we went in order to minimise the impact on us, which was greatly appreciated. We visited a Shinto Shrine, watched a group briefly lift and carry a movable shrine (very impressive!), then headed off to sample savoury Japanese pancakes, cooked right at your table. That was a new and exciting experience. We visited Osaka Castle - Hiro is extremely knowledgeable in the history of the castle and of Japan/Osaka. From there we made our way to a lovely and serene traditional Japanese garden and some beautiful temples. And we saw hundreds of turtles! Hiro speaks excellent English, and as mentioned is expert in Japanese history and culture. He was very kind to us, and helped us make the most of the difficult weather. We can recommend Hiro without reservation, and he will make your Osaka experience so much better. Thank you Hiro - it was a pleasure meeting you and having you guide us!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was very nice meeting you yesterday. Yes, it was really hot and humid. I am used to this kind of weather, but it was a little tough even for me. I was glad that we all survived. The rainy season is about to end, after this comes very hot summer. It will be tougher for me. I know I have to take care of myself, and you too take good care of yourself. Thank you very much once again.
“Translation & tour”
Hiro is a very knowledgeable, patient, flexible & kind person. It was great having him around. We were lucky to have chose him.
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was really nice visiting Sakai with you yesterday. Knife sharpening was new to me and I found it very interesting. I am going to add this to my tours. Thank you very much. I hope you could found 1000 sharpening stones today at the Kitchen Ware Street.
