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Exploring Koyasan
Women were forbidden to enter Koyasan until 1872. Koyasan, literally means Mt Koya, a 900 high highland located in Wakayama Prefecture is a center of Buddhist study. A founder of Shingon Sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai who was granted by emperor Saga to use this land in 816. You can touch the Buddhist concept of vicissitude in a walk through the path toward innermost sanctum in deep ceder tree forest.
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kansai district ( Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara)
At your hotel lobby
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
Koyasan Temple Complex tour - Konpon Daito (Great Pagoda)
To arrive at train station, JR Shin-Imamiya Station, or JR Tengachaya Station, or Nankai Namba Station whichever closer to your hotel. To arrive at Koya town after boarding a local train for approx 90 min ride, followed thereafter boarding 5 min cable car and 10 min Nankai Rinkan Bus. 5 min walk from bus stop, Kongo Buji-Mae will take us 1st stop at Danjo Garan Complex following after such as (1) Konpon Daido Pagoda, (2) Kon-Do hall, (3) Chu-mon Gate, (4) Sanko no Matsu Pine Tree. Then walk again back to Kongo Buji-Mae bus stop in front of the main highllights of Koyasan, Kongo-Buji Head Temple.
Koyasan Temple Complex tour - Kongobuji (Head Temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism), 2,340m2 largest Temple Dry Garden
The head temple of more than 4,000 temples of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in the world. Highlights includes elegant pictures on sliding doors, a grand kichen and the room Toyotomi Hidetsugu committed suicide, Kongo-buji Temple Dry Garden named "Banryuu-Tei", 2,340m2 largest dry garden in Japan.
Koyasan Cemetery Path to Kobo Daishi Mausoleum - Torondo (Lantern Hall), Kobo Daishi Gobyo (Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi)
We go through (1) Sando (approach), (2) Gobyo no hashi Bridge, (3) Asekaki Jizo (sweating jizo statue) and Sugatami no Ido (Mirror Well) that lead us Kobo Daishi Gobyo Mausoleum
To arrive at Gokurakubashi Station, Nankai line
To take the same route a way back to Gokurakubashi Station from Koya town by use of Nankai Rinkai bus and cable car.
End of this day tour at your hotel in Osaka. Will arrive later at your hotel if you stay in Kyoto or Nara.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kansai district ( Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
*Travel expense for the guide as required to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Return tickets for the guide to go to Koyasan station from Gokurakkubashi station by a cable
*Return tickets for the guide to go to Bus station, Kongobuji temple mae by a bus
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals , drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
*Return train tickets for the guide between Nankai Namba station to Gokurakubashi station
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like for the guide as might be required at private or public entertainment facilities.
Tour Important Information
Women were forbidden to enter Koyasan until 1872. Koyasan, literally means Mt Koya, a 900 high highland located in Wakayama Prefecture is a center of Buddhist study. A founder of Shingon Sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai who was granted by emperor Saga to use this land in 816 had not passed away but is believed still sitting in eternal meditation at Okunoin (a cemetery, innermost sanctum in deep towering cedar trees) 1,812 temples were built here in Koyasan and now 117 temples remain. The path, continues about 2 km from the Ichinobashi bridge to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, is lined on both sides by hundreds of commoners’ and also great hero’s gravestones, memorial pagodas. We can touch the Buddhist concept of vicissitude in a walk through this path.
- TICKETING -
Recommend purchasing "Koyasan world heritage tickets" in advance
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Koyasan Temple complex and the path to Kobo Daishi Gobyo (Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi)
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temples complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
Important message from the guide
Any day or time is available, inclusively long tours extended to more than 10 days across Japan, but please reconfirm guide's availability at time of booking
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
Wakayama Tour Reviews
Jennifer J.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
“Very Knowledgeable and Kind”
Mike was a great tour guide whose attention to detail and kindness really made our trip. His knowledge of Kyoto and Japan made sure we left with a lot of good information. We went to many places, and he made sure our experience was streamlined and easy to follow. Thank you so much for the awesome adventure!
Masahisa M.
(38 reviews)Jennifer Welcome from City of Big Hearts. I'm sure you are all probably tired from walking such a long distance today without recovering from jet lag. I wish adventure in the Far East for rest of days will be a memorable one for your family. Thank again for visiting us all the way. Thanks Masahisa
“Great guide in Kyoto”
Mike was our guide for 2 days in Kyoto. He met our cruise ship in Kobe on the morning of the first day and dropped us back off at the end of the 2nd day so we never felt like we wouldn’t be able to find our way. He worked with us to design the 2 days. We initially thought we’d spend the 2nd day in Nara but decided to stay in Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable and worked very hard to ensure we saw everything we wanted to. In addition to seeing many sights he explained a lot of Japanese culture and religion to us in a way that made the experience very enjoyable. We highly recommend him.
Masahisa M.
(38 reviews)Marybeth Tight schedule as you had limited time in Kyoto. I'm sure Mark must be so tired from walking a long distance. Although Kyoto City is currently in a state of chaos by overtourism, I am glad that I was able to show you at least one that you could feel good old days of Kyoto. Thank again for visiting us from afar beautiful city and quick-stopover here. Thanks Masahisa
Chan-seng L.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
“Tour of Kyoto West”
Thank you again for your gracious hospitality in Kyoto. We really enjoyed the tour of Nijo-jo Castle and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Wished we had the energy to walk up the hill and enjoy the monkey park - there's always a next time. You have done a great job promoting tourism in your country and welcoming people from all over the world - please continue doing what has been successful for you. The world needs more people like you! We will always recommend you to our family and friends visiting Japan. All the very best!
Masahisa M.
(38 reviews)Chan-seng L Glad to meet all of your happy families again here and could show you around the Kansai region I was not able to do on your last visit. Look forward to seeing you again. Thanks Masahisa
