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Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
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Joined 2023
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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, where you can look down far below. 25 meters high, the gate was rebuilt in 1705 and has been preserved. It is famous for its spectacular sunset view. Once you enter this gate, you will forget you are in high mountains. Yes, this wonderland starts here.
We walk to Danjo garan.
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
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
-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.
If you are interested in the Women's Pilgrimage Route, I can arrange for that. Please let me know it.
Available in the all year around
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 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Myra S.
“Great 2 days in Kyoto with Shuji O”
Our second day getting to know Kyoto with Shuji O was just as great as the first. We spent the day wandering through neighborhoods and shrines far away from the usual tourist crowds, traveling mostly by foot and train. From the Vermillion Gates at Fushimi Inari to the sake museum and brewery lunch, everything was delicious and fascinating. We topped it off with the Geiko and Maiko Museum and a walk through Gion. Shuji turned our random travel notes into a perfectly relaxed two-day plan. He was so kind, attentive, and even sent us a bunch of photos he took along the way. We’re so glad we followed his advice!"
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the great review again! You were so kind to understand my intentions. We included some lesser-known places and some very unique places. I'm glad everything went well. And thank you very much for your interesting talk about life in your country. I hope you have a comfortable flight to your country!
Myra S.
“Outstanding Day with Shuji O Looking Forward to Round Two!”
We had an excellent 8 hour touring day with Shuji. Shuji has good listening skills and understood us while arranging our itinerary and during it. His discussions were clear and organized. We found him professional , friendly and positive. Sightseeing was well timed. We never felt hurried and yet we did everything we planned. We were very happy with Shuji’s lunch suggestion and it was timed well with our location. He helped us order and it was a treat to try something we were not familiar with. We are looking forward to another day of touring tomorrow.
Shuji O.
Your kind words are out of measure. Yes, we were a little lucky to visit less busy Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. And maybe very lucky to see the Kemari! It was a beautiful day, and we got a wonderful memory. Thank you for such a happy time. See you tomorrow!
Luis felipe G.
“Kyoto in a Rush”
With so much to see in beautiful Kyoto we were left with a desire to come back. Shuji, a former History teacher, made our tour memorable. He was very accomodating on our needs and showed us what we were most interested. We were lucky to be in Kyoto at the peak of the fall and had opprtunity to see the autum colors in full blown. Shuji took us to the mecca of the fall where we were amazed at the sights. Thank you for such a memorable tour
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, Kyoto has many wonderful places. I'm so sorry there were no time to going to the Kinkakuji Temple. We had to go back to the ship in time. I was very happy to talk about history. I was surprised to see how much you know about Japan. We also enjoyed talking about Ken Follett's novels. If we had more time, I could show you more places. Yes, please come back to Japan again. Thank you so much for the fun time!
$251/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kyoto
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Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
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Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
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Kyoto East Highlights – From Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu Temple
Explore Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heart on this private walking tour starting and ending at your hotel. Visit the mesmerizing red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, stroll through the charming streets of Higashiyama, and experience the breathtaking view from Kiyomizu Temple. End the day in Gion, where the elegance of the geisha district brings old Kyoto to life.
Kyoto East Highlights – From Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu Temple
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Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.
Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
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Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
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Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
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