Koya-san

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Mount Koya

Join a guided full-day tour to Mount Koya and uncover its rich history and spiritual charm. With an expert guide, visit ancient temples, explore Japan’s largest cemetery, and learn about Buddhist culture. Enjoy a stress-free experience with scenic views and meaningful insights into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location

Koya-san

Duration

8hrs

Mount Koya, or Koyasan, is a sacred Buddhist site founded in the 9th century by the monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who introduced Shingon Buddhism to Japan. Nestled in the lush Kii Mountains, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 100 temples.

The area is known for its peaceful cedar forests, intricate temple architecture, and the famous Okunoin cemetery, where Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

On this private guided tour, you’ll visit historic temples, stroll through the quiet Okunoin cemetery, and soak in the calm atmosphere. It’s a chance to connect with the rich traditions of Japan while enjoying the beauty and serenity of this sacred place.

What’s Covered

Guide’s fees and transportation
Lunch for the guide

What’s Extra

Your lunch (under 2,500 JPY per person)
Personal transportation (approx. 3,700 JPY per person)
Entrance fees for Kongobuji Temple (1,000 JPY per person)

Good to Know

The tour is stroller and pram accessible for families with young children.
Pets are welcome to join the experience.
Convenient access to public transportation is available nearby.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Infants should have their own seating arrangement; sitting on laps is not permitted.
Infant seats are not provided during the tour.
This is a private day tour, offering a personalized experience.
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.
Live tour guide is available in French, English, and Japanese.

From $216

/person

Infants

Ages 0-6

Adults

Ages 13-100

Teenagers

Ages 7-12

The booking is non-refundable if you cancel within 1 day of the start time.

Itinerary

Osaka

Start the day with a train ride from Osaka, leaving the busy city behind. Watch as the scenery changes from urban areas to peaceful countryside. The journey ends with a scenic cable car ride up the mountain, offering beautiful views of the region.

Daimon Gate

Duration: 30 minutes

Visit Daimon Gate, the grand entrance to Mount Koya. This massive wooden gate welcomes you to the sacred mountain and its spiritual atmosphere.

Danjo Garan

Duration: 1 hour

Explore the Danjo Garan temple complex, a key site for Shingon Buddhism. See the iconic pagoda and other historic buildings while learning about their importance.

Kongobu-ji Temple

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop at Kongobu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism. Built in the 16th century, it features stunning rock gardens and detailed artwork inside.

Mausoleum of the Tokugawa Family

Duration: 30 minutes

Visit the resting place of two powerful Tokugawa shoguns. This peaceful spot is filled with history and offers a glimpse into the legacy of Japan’s samurai leaders.

Okunoin Cemetery

Duration: 1.5 hours

Walk through Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan, with over 200,000 gravestones. At the far end, visit the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, a revered figure in Japanese Buddhism.

Osaka

Wrap up the day around 5:00 PM. Take the cable car down the mountain and enjoy a relaxing train ride back to Osaka, reflecting on your visit to this peaceful and historic place.