/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/147938.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/133890.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/133908.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/133895.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/83002.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/133892.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/83005.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4850/133893.jpg)
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt. Koya
Daimon Gate
This 25m high wooden gate 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.
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 round picture which represents 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.
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.
If you prefer this, let me know in advance.
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.
Ending Point
Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt.Koya
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
Insurance
Bus fare in Mt. Koya
Entrance fees
Lunch for guests and guide
Tour Important Information
As we will walk for more than two kilometers, 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 for tickets, lunch and others 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
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, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was 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.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Christian W.
“Interesting day trip to Mount Koya”
We had a great day with Mr. Hiroyuki, traveling from Osaka to Koyasan and spending the whole day there. We learnt a lot about the concepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, their history and how they developed and partially mixed. He knows a lot about it and explains it very well and understandably, writing down the main facts. Easy to follow. Of course their was plenty of time to ask questions and learn. Thanks for the very interesting day.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your family, I am glad to know that you liked the tour. Did you go back to the Temple Complex after dark? Did you see a monk ringing the bell there? It is a quiet and beautiful place, isn’t it? You had a right choice. Koyasan is a place for people like you and your family. Hiro
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77028/16fa8f5a-14c5-43fc-8944-80487a0a64e7.png)
Tiffany B.
“2 Days and 2 Cities With Hiro”
Hiro is the perfect guide if you are looking to achieve balance between old and new. He met our request for temples, shrines, anime, and fun. He is very knowledgeable about the history and various cultures within Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the temples and shrines that adorn the streets. He took us to the best locations for family pictures and recommended an excellent restaurant for lunch in both Kyoto and Osaka. I have already recommended him to friends touring Japan in 2026. Thank you, Hiro, for making our time in Kyoto and Osaka so enjoyable.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was very nice meeting you; it was very hot and humid when you were in Osaka and Kyoto. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year (it is still very hot and humid). But we had wonderful days, I am very glad to know that you liked the tours. There are a lot more to see in this area, I hope that you have a chance to coming back here. I am looking forward to hearing from your friend for the tour. Thank you very much again, take care of yourself. Hiro
Michael C.
“Great Experience!”
My family had great time in Osaka with Hiro! He made us understand history and tradition of Japan. He was especially patient and wonderful with my seven year-old, who can talk your ears off. I highly recommend Hiro as a guide to your Osaka vacation!
Hiroyuki T.
Michael san, Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice to spend time with you and your family. You have wonderful children, I envy you! When I was seven years old, I was too shy to talk to an adult and I only knew that Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Are you back home now? Say hello to your family. Hiro
$306/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83568.jpg)
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167349.jpg)
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/5313/98398.jpg)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4774/90528.jpg)
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
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 tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Mount Koya
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18703/4adc5985-bf82-4e52-8184-b8aa1e76634a.jpeg)
A Journey to Koyasan – The Heart of Japanese Buddhism
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.
A Journey to Koyasan – The Heart of Japanese Buddhism
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9500/5f65505a-dd9c-4648-8957-acdce9034423.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3138/58694.jpg)
【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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/12334/139218.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3305/58900.jpg)
【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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/8703/133882.jpg)
Overnight trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka
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
Overnight trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka