One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
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, 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
Mandy R.
“Excellent Guide - Koyasan ”
Hiro was a very knowledgeable guide. He explained the very well the history and central tenants of esoteric Buddhism. All new information for us. He was punctual and answered all our messages in a timely manner. We loved our time exploring this very beautiful and tranquil village. We were also very appreciative of his help navigating the train system. He was very kind helping us with this, in fact he went out of his way to assist. The whole experience felt genuine and authentic. Thank you Hiro for introducing us to Esoteric Buddhism. You did it with grace and charm. Mandy and Shane
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice spending time with you at Koyasan. The ceremony we saw was a ceremony for the new head priest. It is really rare to see it. We were blessed by Buddha and Kukai.
Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is very good to know that you enjoyed my Osaka tour. Yes, you are right. We didn't have enough time to visit many places in Osaka. There are many attractive places in the Osaka Area as well, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya and others. Come back to Osaka in the near future. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. Hiro
Rupal V.
“2 Days in Kyoto ”
Our special thanks to Hiro for a wonderful 2 days spent in Kyoto… he was very patient and adjusted well to the needs of our group, and shared his extensive knowledge ( great insights in to the various religions and practices, shrines & temples and various customs) and gave us a great flavour of Kyoto with visits to Kinkakuji Golden pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, Arashiyama bamboo forest and surrounding area, Nishiki market, Sanjusangen-do temple, sake museum, Byodo-in temple, and Fushimi Inara Shrine. We highly recommend him.
Hiroyuki T.
We had cold days but it was really nice spending time with you in Kyoto. Thank you very much. It is always nice spending time with those who show respect to Japanese culture. Thank you very much for beautiful pictures as well. How many pictures did you take by the way ? Pictures are nice to remember things. I will always remember you with these pictures. Hiro
$284/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Mount Koya
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
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.
【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.
Koyasan one- day exploring
we start from the west end of Koyasan mountainous Buddhism city, Daimon deva gate and finish at the east end of this highland,Okunoin through halfway points,Garan, temple facility complex and the general head temple Kongobuji. There are ancient stone monuments, neat row of age-old shops and Buddhist architecture. Guest would find out what they are with the beginning of Shingon Sect.
