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Joined 2018
Koyasan resident guides N.
Available Areas
Mount Koya (Living)
Languages
English
Response Time
8 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Koyasan resident guides N.
Discover Mount Koya with Local Resident Guides
For many years, we have lived and worked at a temple in Mount Koya, welcoming guests from all over the world.
One request we often heard was:
“I want to explore Mount Koya with someone who truly lives here.”
That’s exactly what we offer.
Our tours are led by long-term local residents with deep roots in this sacred town and decades of guiding experience. We don’t just show you the buildings — we invite you to experience Mount Koya as those who live here do.
Our immersive tours include:
Guided walks along ancient pilgrimage routes
Buddhist cultural experiences
Tea ceremony and meditation in authentic settings
Insights into daily life and hidden stories of the mountain
If you're looking for a deeper, more meaningful visit to Mount Koya, we would be honored to guide you.
Please feel free to contact us to arrange a tour.
Important
If a tour has to be cancelled due to a rainy weather, we will refund the tour price in full.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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【Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji】 Private tour
We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.
【Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji】 Private tour
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【Kongobuji & Garan】 Private tour with a Koyasan resident
We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.
【Kongobuji & Garan】 Private tour with a Koyasan resident
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Okunoin＆Ancient pilgrimage trails Lunch with panorama view
“Women Pilgrims Route” is said to be “the most beautiful trail” among the mountain paths around Koyasan. After attending a ritual in Okunoin, we are going to hike some of the “Women Pilgrims Route” that even forest experts recommend. At the end of the tour you will eat local specialties while watching the spectacular panorama of the mountains registered as World Heritage Sites.
Okunoin＆Ancient pilgrimage trails Lunch with panorama view
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Meditation Experience
Private meditation hall surrounded by temple gardens.You can receive direct instruction from the monks. [Ajikan meditation] A 1200-year-old meditation method introduced to Koyasan by Kobo Daishi from the Tang dynasty. Explore your self in the pure air with a monk who guides people through daily meditation.The meditation hall will be specially reserved for you. Koyasan is a rare World Heritage Site that inherits not only Japan’s culture but also ancient India and the Tang Dynasty.
Meditation Experience
Reviews
Jami N.
“Koyasan: Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji”
We met Nobu at the Ichinohashi gate and walked through the entire Okunoin cemetery lined with stately cedar trees. Nobu pointed out details and meaning of gravestone formations sharing his deep understanding of esoteric Buddhism. When we reached Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum we were in a calm and reverent mindset, able to appreciate the belief that Kobo Daishi was eternally meditating inside and that those resting in the cemetery were waiting for his return to this realm. Next we walked through the more recent gravesites, many representing Japanese companies to Kongobuji temple, where Nobu explained more history and teachings through the beautiful paintings. Finally, we visited the Danjo Garan temple complex. Nobu’s ability to translate complex history into relatable concepts was very moving to us. What would have been a casual stroll through Koyasan became meaningful and lasting because of Nobu. Highly recommended!
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Koyasan resident guides N.
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I am truly honored to hear that our time together in Koyasan was a meaningful experience for you. Walking through Okunoin with you and sharing the history and spirit of esoteric Buddhism was a real pleasure for me, and I am very happy that you felt the calm and reverence of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. Your warm words encourage me greatly as a guide. Thank you again for joining the tour, and I sincerely hope to see you again in Koyasan someday.
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Simon W.
“Wonderful day with Nobu”
I would highly recommend anyone visiting Koyasan to spend time being guided by Nobu. He was very kind, knowledgeable and fun to be with. It was great to learn so much about Koyasan, the beliefs and customs of the area and of the esoteric teachings. Being with Nobu meant he could bring everything I was seeing to life, with the history and its context, rather than what I could just see with my own eyes. There is no substitute for these insights and it gave the whole experience a deeper meaning for me. Thank you Nobu!
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Toshio O.
“excellent tour”
excellent tour, very informative and extremely well presented
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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!
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Miyuki O.
Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I currently teaches at a cram school while also working mainly as a guide. I also obtained the national guide licence. I would like to expand my guide area to cover the entire Kinki region, but I like Wakayama the most because of its spiritual nature.
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Noriko I.
Hello, I’m Noriko, certified national tour guide. I live in Wakayama prefecture, where there are a lot of nature and historic places, hot springs and delicious food, such as seafood and fruits. Wakayama stretches from north to south on the Kii Peninsula, however, it takes only about one hour from Kansai International Airport to the north part of Wakayama prefecture. I’m sure I can help you learn Japanese culture, history, and traditions, and fully enjoy traveling in Wakayama. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
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