Private tour

Koyasan: Mt. Koya Guided Private Walking Day Tour

5  / 57 reviews
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Private tour
Koyasan: Mt. Koya Guided Private Walking Day Tour
5  / 57 reviews

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Embark on a private, full-day walking tour of this historic site and Buddhist pilgrimage destination.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 6.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Private group

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

M
Marta – Switzerland

It was an amazing experience to take part in walking tour with the best guide I have ever had - Ms Kaori. I was impressed with her extensive knowledge and how she is able to share it in the nutshell and bring a spirit of Japan. Additionally, she has very individual approach - she is very flexible and takes care of her guests. The cemetery and temples/shrines we visited were the best spots in Koyasan to visit during half a day trip. Thank you for an amazing time!

M
Marta – Switzerland
R
Ruben Nigel – Netherlands

This trip to Koyasan was very insightful. Due to her +30 years of experience as a guide, our tripguide was very knowledgeable on the area of Koyasan it's history and current function in religion and culture. We would have never gotten the insights on the different locations if we had been alone on this trip. Our guide teached us on the traditions and history. Yes, this was a bit more expensive than some of the other trips we've had, but the option to ask a privare guide all the questions we had gave us a quick connection to this region of Japan.

R
Ruben Nigel – Netherlands

Experience

Highlights

  • Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mt. Koya, a place of pilgrimage
  • Enjoy a private, guided day trip from Koyasan Station that you can customize
  • Gain a deeper understanding from your guide about Mt. Koya and Shingon Buddhism
  • Discover the history of religion in Japan and the legacy of Shingon Buddhism
  • Visit the sacred temples Kongobuji and Okunoin and hear stories from your guide

Full description

Explore the pilgrimage site of Mt. Koya on a guided, private day tour. This small, secluded temple town is known as the center of Shingon Buddhism, a significant sect that was introduced to Japan in 805 A.D. by Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai. Marvel at the array of temples on your tour.

Begin your tour at Koyasan Station, where you'll meet your guide. From there, head up to the wooded mountaintop and enter through the sacred gate of Daimon. Admire the structure, which reaches an impressive 21.5 meters in height.

Continue onwards toward Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi began construction on the original Garan temple complex in 826 A.D. In 1593, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built this structure to commemorate the death of his mother; the temple was later merged with the Shingon sect.

Venture further along the streets of temples to reach the temple Okunoin. This sacred place is the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. Follow the quiet paths through the verdant forest and reflect on the spirituality of the historic temple grounds.

. Lunch is not included. You can either prepare lunch before the tour or buy it during the tour.

Includes

  • Entrance fee of Kongo-Fuji and Danjo Garan (Okuno-in is free of charge)
  • English guide
  • Bottled water
  • Food and drinks

Not suitable for

  • People with high blood pressure
  • Pregnant women
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

In front of the ticket gate at Koyasan Station. Your guide will wait for you holding a H.I.S. welcome board.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • This activity will take place rain or shine
  • The tour can be customized to your preferences

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 7 reviews

Filter

By star rating

Sort by:

M
Marta – SwitzerlandAugust 30, 2023  – Verified booking
It was an amazing experience to take part in walking tour with the best guide I have ever had - Ms Kaori. I was impressed with her extensive knowledge and how she is able to share it in the nutshell and bring a spirit of Japan. Additionally, she has very individual approach - she is very flexible and takes care of her guests. The cemetery and temples/shrines we visited were the best spots in Koyasan to visit during half a day trip. Thank you for an amazing time!
Helpful?
R
Ruben Nigel – NetherlandsSeptember 28, 2023  – Verified booking
This trip to Koyasan was very insightful. Due to her +30 years of experience as a guide, our tripguide was very knowledgeable on the area of Koyasan it's history and current function in religion and culture. We would have never gotten the insights on the different locations if we had been alone on this trip. Our guide teached us on the traditions and history. Yes, this was a bit more expensive than some of the other trips we've had, but the option to ask a privare guide all the questions we had gave us a quick connection to this region of Japan.
Helpful?
G
Gilles – United KingdomAugust 6, 2024  – Verified booking
With Kaori, the visit of Koyasan cemetery and the temple grounds took a different dimension. We were transported in time and space and could really feel the spirit of Koyasan. The visit was clear and enthusiastic, and our questions were always answered with professionalism and patience! Thank you so much for sharing your passion. Kaori kept in touch before the activity so we could optimise the visiting time and the meeting point. We also had suggestions for activities to do before and after our tour. Perfect!
Helpful?

Product ID: 444142

Activity provider:H.I.S. Co Ltd(TIC)

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