Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
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, 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
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.
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
Megan M.
“We had a wonderful day!! Highly recommended! ”
My husband and I highly recommend this tour. We started early - ahead of both the heat and the crowds - and wandered through the most beautiful parts of Eaatern Kyoto. Shujio was an excellent guide - we really enjoyed his company and his deep knowledge of the area. We saw hidden spots, quiet gardens and ate delicious food in local restaurants for breakfast and lunch. We highly recommend this day and enjoyed Sujio’s company immensely.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You got ready really well for this tour. We started very early in the morning so that we could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Higashiyama district. This area is usually very crowded during the day. But today it was as if we were in a different world. We talked about our jobs and even our grandchildren. Thank you for the happy time.
Jolie K.
“Wakayama Tour - Castle and Meet the Cat Stationmasters”
We had an amazing time on our Wakayama tour with Shuji! We told him what we wanted to see, and our dietary needs, and Shuji came up with the perfect itinerary for our day including a stop for lunch where we enjoyed excellent food suited to our requests. He is very kind and knowledgeable of the places we visited. He went above and beyond to make good use of our time and to make us as comfortable as possible, considering the very hot weather we experienced. What really brought us to Wakayama was to see the cat stationmasters and ride the Tama trains of the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line. We had a wonderful time visiting, seeing the cats, and riding the different themed trains. Thank you Shuji for an unforgettable experience, and for the great photos we have to remember that very special day!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your amazing review! I usually like dogs, but I had fun at the cat stationmaster Tama's amazing stations and railways. It was an unforgettable experience for me too. I felt as if I were in a fairy tale. Thank you very much for such a wonderful tour!
Renee M.
“This was goid”
This was a nice tour. Suji- San took care to suggest changes to the itinerary that were best. A guide is a hard job as there are many things not in direct control.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the review! We had a wonderful time on our tour of Kyoto. The scenery was stunning, especially the lush greenery. We enjoyed visiting many places, although it started to rain at the end. Please remember this tour through the lovely photos. Thank you!
$269/ per group
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