Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Mount Koya
Active
7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Come with us to visit Mount Koya, Japan’s spiritual and cultural jewel, for a day on foot and by public transport!
We take the train and we sink into the deep countryside. This gives us a contrasting view between the lively city and the quiet nature, before reaching the top of the mountain by cable car.
The Daimon portal welcomes us upon arrival. We are crossing this border between the human world and the spirit world. Then we walk and visit Danjo Garan, the historic center of the Shingon Buddhist sect since the 9th century, then the Kongobu-ji Temple, founded by the military dictator Hideyoshi Toyotomi, which now serves as an administrative center.
We finally visit Oku no In. Japan’s largest cemetery houses the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi and 200,000 graves of people who wanted to rest with him.
You will learn more about the history, culture and spirituality of Japan after this day. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!
Available options
Guide + Travel & Entry Help
Guide Service Only
Departure From Kyoto
What's included
Guide Fees (their Entrance, Lunch and Transport Fees)
Detailed itinerary
1
We take the train from Osaka and arrive at Mount Koya via the funicular. You can see the whole area from the train, from the big city to nature, then climb the mountain.
2
Gateway to Mount Koya and the spirit world.
3
Stop 3
Main place of prayer of the Shingon Buddhist sect since the 9th century.
4
Built in the late 16th century by the military dictator Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it serves as the headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect.
5
Stop 5
Famous Japanese cemetery, with 200,000 graves of more or less famous families and at its end, the mausoleum of Kobo-Daishi, founder of this place.
What's not included
Lunch: around 2,500 JPY/person
Transport Fees (around 3,700 JPY/person/day)
Entrance Fees: Kongobuji Temple (1000 JPY/person)
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
We meet in Namba Hiroba Square, in front of Nankai Namba Station
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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