• Koyasan Okunoin - Important Notice: Access to the Okunoin Torodo (Lantern Hall) will be temporarily closed for restoration from November 18th, 2024, to September 19th, 2025.

The heart of Mt. Koya, where Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a highly esteemed figure in Japan’s religious history, is enshrined. The path to Okunoin is lined with the graves of many notable figures, stretching several hundred meters through the forest. Guides will share fascinating stories about these historical personalities.

• Kongobu-ji Temple - The main headquarters of the Shingon Sect, which encompasses 4,000 temples across Japan and has over 10 million followers worldwide. Visitors can admire religious artifacts, fusuma sliding door paintings, and a stunning rock garden symbolizing two dragons soaring among the clouds.
• Koyasan Danjo Garan - One of the two most sacred sites on Mt. Koya. Founded in the 9th century, this is where Kobo Daishi conducted a groundbreaking ceremony and dedicated his life to building Danjo Garan. This sacred area includes nearly twenty structures, including the impressive Konpon Daito. Guides will explain the significance of these structures.
• Koyasan Reihokan Museum - The Reihokan Museum (霊宝館, Reihōkan) was established to preserve the religious and cultural treasures of Koyasan. Its entrance hall is inspired by Byodoin Temple in Uji, and it features three exhibition halls for both permanent and temporary displays.

The museum’s collection includes thousands of religious artworks. The permanent exhibition showcases statues, mandalas (paintings representing metaphysical maps of the cosmos), and various religious tools and paintings, with the “Reclining Image of Sakyamuni Buddha on His Last Day” being particularly notable. Additionally, a rotating temporary exhibition offers a seasonal selection from the museum’s collection.

• Koyasan Daishi Kyokai - Daishi Kyokai (大師教会, Daishi Kyōkai) serves as the administrative center of Shingon Buddhism, promoting the teachings of Kobo Daishi, the sect’s founder. The complex includes two buildings: Henjoden, a traditional temple hall built in 1915 dedicated to Kobo Daishi, and a modern building for administration, lectures, and training. An English information desk is available here.

Visitors can engage in activities at Daishi Kyokai, such as receiving Buddhist precepts (jukai) or copying Buddhist scriptures (shakyo). No advance reservations are needed.

• Tokugawa’s Mausoleum - The Tokugawa Mausoleum (徳川家霊台, Tokugawa-ke Reidai) on Koyasan was constructed in 1643 by the third Tokugawa shogun Iemitsu to provide his family with a mausoleum near Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. It comprises two buildings that enshrine Iemitsu’s grandfather Ieyasu and father Hidetada, the first two Tokugawa shoguns.

The mausoleum’s two identical buildings, completed over twenty years, were built in the lavish style of the early Edo Period, featuring elegant sloping roofs, rich ornamentation, intricate carvings, lacquer, and gold leaf. The buildings stand side by side, with the right one enshrining Ieyasu and the left one Hidetada.

• Meet up with guide on foot at Koyasan Station
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private transportation
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Our government-licensed and experienced multilingual guides will help you efficiently enjoy a one-day tour of UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, Mt. Koya. Go on a full-day guided walking tour of Mt. Koya and learn about the modern and traditional aspects of one of the world’s most sacred mountains!

If you would like to take some time out to enjoy some sights outside the big city, then this tour of Mount Koya is for you! Meet your guide at Koyasan station, your private guide will customize your full-day tour in detail according to your interests.

Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.