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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
Larry E.
“Crazy Street (The Zoo)”
Shuji O showed us around to several sites. We visited Osaka Castle, Rose Garden, Sky Tower and ‘Crazy Street’. His insight and knowledge helped us understand and appreciate each of these sites. He was also very flexible and able to adjust the tour to our needs and accommodate our changing requirements. We definitely recommend you as a guide to anyone visiting Osaka by cruise ship. Thank you Shuji. You made our visit to an Osaka very memorable experience. Arigato!
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Shuji O.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for the great tour! Yes, everything was indeed nice today. We enjoyed the fully bloomed roses and the interesting places we visited. I hope they will become lovely memories for you both. Thank you!
Simon W.
“Fantastic day trip of Kyoto with a true expert”
My family were lucky enough to have Shuji show us around Kyoto on a day trip to all the key sites. Shuji advised us to start early at 7am which was great advice to avoid the crowds and the heat. Shuji has a wealth of knowledge on Japanese history and the key facts at all the spots we stopped. My two daughters in the early 20s and my wife and I found Shuji interesting in a wealth of subjects and we were so happy to spend time with him. If you are looking for a very professional tour guide Shuji has our full recommendation without reservation. Thank you Shuji - it was great having all your help and wisdom - and also your kindness and good humour! Simon
Shuji O.
Yes, I was also so happy to spend time with you. This is one of my fondest memories! Despite the heat, we enjoyed exploring the Kiyomizu Temple early in the morning. We ended in the Gion district, which interested you all very much. I was so happy to have such great conversations with you. Thank you very much for telling me all about our favorite, Mark Knopfler!
Alberto R.
“Osaka with Shuji”
Shuji is an excellent guide. My only recommendation is that when doing a tour in Osaka, you should understand the city and where you want to go; otherwise, you may end up short after completing the tour. There are too many places to go, and driving from one site to another takes time.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review! We were actually in Kyoto, not Osaka. It was a very hot day. Thank you for being cooperative in such hot weather. I hope you enjoyed Japan a lot.
$266/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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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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
This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spot . Firstly, we visit the golden pavilion. We go to Arashiyama. We walk through Tenryuji garden and bamboo forest. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nijo castle. (We enjoy watching a live demonstration of Japanese sweet making with green tea(Mattcha).Finally you can learn about Kyoto’s traditional and wonderful kimono
Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
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Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
This is customized private tour in Kyoto which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 16 tourist destinations (S01-16) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.
Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
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Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
Kyoto is an ancient capital that has existed for over 1000 years. There are many shrines and temples, and you can also see traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. You can also see the beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Please feel Kyoto, which can be said to be the origin of Japan, with all five senses.
Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
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Western Kyoto Tour
We can go to Arashiyama to visit bamboo forests and explore some temples with Japanese gardens. The golden pagoda, Kinkakuji,you'll appreciate the most shiniest pagoda in Kyoto. Kitano Tenmangu shrine to pray for academic luck for your studies. Nijyo castle, the old history and story of the castle in Kyoto.
Western Kyoto Tour
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