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Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
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.
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
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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
Important message from the guide
I can guide you in Hiroshima or Kanazawa if you pay my transportation fee.
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
Osaka Tour Reviews
Jee M.
Osaka Castle and waterfront view of downtown Osaka
Customized
“Osaka tour”
Suji is a responsible guide.
Shuji O.
(11 reviews)Thank you for your high rating. We found that Osaka Castle and Aqualiner can be enjoyed even if you use a wheelchair. Thank you for listening to some stories about Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle. I hope I could satisfy your interests. Have a nice time for the rest of your trip to Japan.
“Great guide with good historical knowledge ”
Shuji’s English was very good and we really enjoyed our conversations with him. As a former history teacher his in depth knowledge of the region provided us with a better understanding of Japanese history, religion, and culture. He was well prepared for our day trip to Nara. We would highly recommend him.
Shuji O.
(11 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. Even though we changed our itinerary drastically just two days before, we were very happy with our trip. Yes, I can be flexible. We had a lot in common that made me feel special. I'm so glad you had a good last day in Japan. I hope your long flight home is comfortable. Thank you very much.
Rita H.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
“Super time in kyoto”
We had a great time in Kyoto. A beautiful city in every aspect. Shuji our guide showed us the beautiful highlights of the area and he also showed us lots of beautiful gardens which we love to look at. He was a very nice person and we enjoyed having him as our guide.
Shuji O.
(11 reviews)Thank you for the great review. We enjoyed lots of cherry blossoms everywhere, including a hidden gem. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip to Japan. Thank you very much.
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