Private Half- Day Tour in Wakayama Koyasan

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour takes you to the three most important places in Koyasan: Okunoin Cemetery, Kongobuji Temple, and Garan. This is also a private tour, so you can ask any questions you have. You will learn not only about temples and cemeteries but also about the lives of the monks, local life in Koyasan, history, and more.

Available options

Group up to 11

Group of 11

Group up to 13

Group of 13

Group up to 10

Group of 10

Group up to 7

Group of 7

Group up to 12

Group of 12

Group up to 14

Group of 14

Group up to 8

Group of 8

Group of 6

Group up to 15

Group of 15

Group up to 9

Group of 9

Group up to 5

What's included

Photographing Data

FREE Wi-Fi

Restaurant Reservation Service

Taxi Reservation Service

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Things we talk about
・Kobo Daishi :The founder of Koyasan
・Legends in the cemetery
・Daily life of monk
・History of Koyasan
・Tombs
・Teachings of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism

If the timing is right, we can see a special ritual called “Shojingu.” ※Monks prepare a meal for Kobo Daishi as part of a ritual that involves blessing food placed in a covered wooden box. It’s said that Kobo Daishi aka Kukai is still alive and continues meditation in Okunoin, and meals are delivered twice a day.This ritual has continued without a break for 1,200 years.

We will also visit the following places
◆ Gobyo：the place where Kobo Daishi aka Kukai still remains alive to this day.
◆Touching a tree of 850 years old
◆The biggest tombstone in Okunoin
◆Samurai graves
◆ The monument of Matsuo Basho
◆ Torodo:Lantern hall with more than 20,000 lanterns
◆ Senryo (Memorial tombs dedicated to teeth and nails of the imperial family)
◆ Torodo’s basement: We can approach Kukai very close.

Local English-speaking guide will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism brought by Kukai, as well as deepening your understanding of Koyasan’s history and culture.

In this tour, we will go round the following temples of Kongobuji.

【Kongobuji】

Banryutei (Japan’s largest rock garden)

Yanaginoma (Willow Room: Hidetsugu suicide room)

Tensuioke (Rain Barrel)

Kyozo (Scripture Storehouse)

Shoro (Bell Tower)

Daigenkan & Kogenkan (Entrance)

Ohiroma & Jibutsuma Umenoma (Plum Room)

Betsuden (Temple Annex)

Shin Betsuden (New Temple Annex)

Shoin Jodan no Ma (Gold Leaf Wall)

Courtyard

Okushoin (Resting Area for the Imperial Family)

Chigonoma (Page Room)

Tsuchimuro (Earth Room)

Kitchen

Stop 3

Local English-speaking guide will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism brought by Kukai, as well as deepening your understanding of Koyasan’s history and culture.

In this tour, we will go round the followings places in Garan.

【Garan】

Kondo (Golden Hall)

Konpon Daito (Great Pagoda)

Chumon (Twin-tiered & five-sectioned gate)

Miedo (Great Portrait Hall)

Miyashiro (Shrine Complex)

Rokkaku Kyozo (Hexagonal Depository of the Scriptures)

Saito (West Tower)

Kujyakudo (Prayer for Rain)

Jyunteido (Temple for pabajja)

What's not included

Public transportation fee to the meeting point, during the tour and after the tour.

Konpon Daito

Kongobuji Temple

Kondo Temple

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Next to Okunoin-mae bus stop, in front of a public toilet in Nakanohashi parking lot

About Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic temples, and the famous Koyasan (Mount Koya) pilgrimage site. With its rugged mountains, scenic coastlines, and rich cultural heritage, Wakayama offers a unique blend of traditional and natural experiences.

Top Attractions

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

A sacred Buddhist monastery town and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its temples, graveyards, and pilgrimage routes.

Historical/Religious Full day to overnight Moderate to Expensive

Nachi Falls

One of Japan's tallest waterfalls, located near the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.

Nature Half day Free to view, fees for shrine and museum

Shirahama Beach

A popular beach resort area with white sand beaches, hot springs, and a scenic coastline.

Beach Full day Budget to Moderate

Kimii-dera Temple

A historic temple with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Wakayama City.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Wakayama Castle

A reconstructed castle with a museum and beautiful gardens, offering insights into Wakayama's samurai history.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wakayama Beef

Tender and flavorful beef, often served as sukiyaki or grilled.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Katsuobushi

Fermented, smoked, and dried bonito fish, used to make dashi (stock) and eaten as a topping for various dishes.

Snack/Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Meharizushi

A traditional sushi dish from the Kii Peninsula, made with vinegared rice and fresh seafood or vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian if made with vegetables.

Koyasan Shojin Ryori

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served in Koyasan, made with seasonal vegetables and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Kumano Beach activities in Shirahama Adventure World amusement park Hot spring baths in Shirahama Temple lodgings in Koyasan Beach relaxation in Shirahama Temple visits in Koyasan Shrine visits in Kumano

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Wakayama is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas, as weather conditions can change quickly.
• Carry a map or use a reliable navigation app, as some areas may have limited signage.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 80 km from Wakayama City

By train

Wakayama Station

By bus

Wakayama Station Bus Terminal, Osaka Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are efficient and punctual, with frequent services. The IC card (Suica, Icoca) can be used for seamless travel.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wakayama City Koyasan (Mount Koya) Shirahama Kumano

Day trips

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls

80 km from Wakayama City • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stunning waterfall and an ancient Shinto shrine.

Shirahama Beach and Adventure World

100 km from Wakayama City • Full day

A popular beach resort area with white sand beaches, hot springs, and an amusement park.

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

50 km from Wakayama City • Full day to overnight

A sacred Buddhist monastery town with temples, graveyards, and pilgrimage routes.

Festivals

Koyasan Fire Festival (Goman-no-Otaki) • March 12-15 Shirahama Summer Festival • July to August Wakayama Castle Festival • April 1-30

Pro tips

Stay overnight in a temple lodging (shukubo) in Koyasan for a unique cultural experience.
Visit Nachi Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Try the local seafood in Shirahama, especially the fresh sushi and grilled fish.
Use an IC card (Suica, Icoca) for seamless travel on trains and buses in Wakayama and the Kansai region.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture.