Mount Koya Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Mount Koya, Japan with a Local Guide

Popular Mount Koya Private Tours

One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness

Mount Koya
6 hours

Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.

FROM$262/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(124 reviews)

【Okunoin, Garan & Kongobuji】 Private tour

Mount Koya
4 hours

We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.

FROM$405/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

【Kongobuji & Garan】 Private tour with a Koyasan resident

Mount Koya
2 hours

We are a group composed of monks living in Koyasan. We spent long years as monks at temples in Koyasan. We studied Buddhist teachings directly from Buddhist priests of Koyasan and interpreted them to foreigners. Friendly young monks will be happy to explain daily living, training at Koyasan temples that a general public can not see, and important teachings of the esoteric Buddhism.

FROM$166/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

Overnight trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka

Mount Koya
2 days

Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well. In this tour we will visit Mt. Koya and walk the Women's Pilgrimage

FROM$497/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(124 reviews)

Okunoin&Ancient pilgrimage trails Lunch with panorama view

Mount Koya
3 hours

“Women Pilgrims Route” is said to be “the most beautiful trail” among the mountain paths around Koyasan. After attending a ritual in Okunoin, we are going to hike some of the “Women Pilgrims Route” that even forest experts recommend. At the end of the tour you will eat local specialties while watching the spectacular panorama of the mountains registered as World Heritage Sites.

FROM$364/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

Koyasan one- day exploring

Mount Koya
8 hours

we start from the west end of Koyasan mountainous Buddhism city, Daimon deva gate and finish at the east end of this highland,Okunoin through halfway points,Garan, temple facility complex and the general head temple Kongobuji. There are ancient stone monuments, neat row of age-old shops and Buddhist architecture. Guest would find out what they are with the beginning of Shingon Sect.

FROM$207/ per group
Tadashi N.

Koyasan Spiritual Experience Tour

Mount Koya
7 hours 30 min

Kobo Daishi (Kukai) founded this sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism about 1,200 years ago. Koyasan is the sacred place in the sky. Even if you are not interested in esoteric Buddhism, you can enjoy its spiritual atomosphere. This tour includes the three most important areas, Okunoin, Danjo Garan Complex and Kongobuji Temple. Immersed yourself in the splendid atmosphere of Okunoin, you will feel your mind and body cleansed to the very core.

FROM$172/ per group
Miyuki O.
4.00 / 5
(1 reviews)

Meditation Experience

Mount Koya
1 hour

Private meditation hall surrounded by temple gardens.You can receive direct instruction from the monks. [Ajikan meditation] A 1200-year-old meditation method introduced to Koyasan by Kobo Daishi from the Tang dynasty. Explore your self in the pure air with a monk who guides people through daily meditation.The meditation hall will be specially reserved for you. Koyasan is a rare World Heritage Site that inherits not only Japan’s culture but also ancient India and the Tang Dynasty.

FROM$364/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

Popular Mount Koya Tour Guides

Hideo Y.

4.57 / 5
(166 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!

Makoto Y.

4.95 / 5
(101 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!

Toichi N.

4.98 / 5
(56 reviews)
Japan

I'm Toichi. Please call me Ichi, which means No.1 in Japanese. Or you can remember it as 'itchy' Ichi. Born and bred in Osaka, I would like to introduce you to this extremely diverse and interesting city. I have travelled extensively around the globe, and I think one of the greatest pleasure of travelling abroad is meeting people who have different ways of lifestyle and thinking. Japan may not be an easy place for tourists to get to know its people. So, I hope to help you to get closer to meet real Japan and Japanese people. I would like to show you how ordinary Japanese people live and think. And I am happy if you could have a day of unique cultural experiences which you can look back to in ten years' time!

Shogo K.

4.81 / 5
(32 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I'm Shogo, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. "Shogo"? Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai or Busho, call me "Shogun". (rather humble and hen-pecked at home, though.:) Just a little bit information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, about 50km west of Kobe. When a child I quite often visited world-famous Himeji Castle. So it's like "MY castle." As a student, I lived in Kyoto for four years. I'm a father of three, and have lived in Kobe with my family for over 30 years. So I'm quite familiar with various tourist spots/attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe and the like, all in western Japan. Also I've lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for two years in my 20s as a Jayhawk. Great old memory!:) Here are some of my specialties. First, I can show you around popular historical sites and relics in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Himeji. You'll surely feel the depth of Japanese culture by visiting these places. Second, I can offer you special tours of fancy sake breweries in Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Third, I also guide you around Hiroshima, including magnificent Itsukushima Shrine. My goal/dream as guide interpreter is to help you explore and understand Japan and its culture with warm hospitality or Omotenashi. So please reach out to me any time, 24/7. For your super memorable trip, "Always with YOU" Shogo!:)

Hiroyuki T.

4.96 / 5
(124 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.

Koyasan resident guides N.

5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Japan

We had worked at a temple in Mount Koya for lomg years to welcome many guests all around the world. They told us that,"I want to walk around Mount Koya with the guide of monks" "Is it rude for monks if I ask a question like this… but I'd like to ask them a lot ..." "I want to have unique experience in Mount Koya“ We offer tours unique to monks living in Mount Koya based many years of guide experience. Our tours include not only viewing the building, but also Buddhist experiences, yoga , Walking ancient pilgrimage trails, tea ceremony & meditation in Mount Koya. If you want to arrange tours in Mount Koya, please get in touch. We are looking forward to seeing you.

Noboru S.

5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
Japan

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.

Kay F.

4.75 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

Hi, I'm a National licensed guide living in OSAKA. Raised between KYOTO and OSAKA, I've got two different unique cultures, customs and dialects. So called Bilingual?? I can guide you both cities from Major tourist spots to Off-the-beaten paths. Throughout the tour, I'll show you unique local cultures and history !! Since I got the license in 2015, I've guided foreign tourists to OSAKA, KYOTO and NARA and really enjoyed meeting with foreign guests. And also experienced Mt.KOYA, HIMEJI and KOBE. Based on your request, I suggest the best memorial tour just for you !!

New Mount Koya Tour Guides

Akari Y.

Japan

It has been a year since I started guiding in the Kansai area last spring. I am passionate about introducing the beauty of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was younger.

Shuji O.

4.93 / 5
(15 reviews)
Japan

Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!

Miyuki O.

4.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I'm an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I got a job as a teacher. I love Koyasan, so I would like to help tourists as a guide only on weekends. I also obtained the national guide qualification.I would like to expand my guide area to cover the entire Kinki region, but I like Wakayama the most because of its spiritual nature.

Noboru S.

5.00 / 5
(13 reviews)
Japan

Hello, everyone! Welcome to Japan. My name is Noboru. I’m a national licensed guide. I was born in Osaka and spent my university student life in Kyoto. And now I have been in Himeji for over 35 years. These cities are in Kansai aea. So,I'm very much familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions in the area, especially Himeji and its neighboring cities. If you are looking for someone to show you around the area, please join my tour. I will show you special local dishes in the area as well. Looking forward to seeing your smile soon.

Hiroyuki T.

4.96 / 5
(124 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.

Tadashi N.

Japan

Shall we make a good trip with a nice memory ? I would like nicely to tell you the whole image of Japan when I share your time so as to make a pleasant memory. I was born and raised in Wakayama. I have lived in Osaka city and parts of Hyogo such as Kobe, Nishinomiya when I worked for a bank and cram schools and also, was a University student. And I made a short trip to various Kansai area such as Nara and Kyoto and so on, moreover a long trip to Kanto area such as Yokohama, Tokyo and Nikko. So I am knowledgeable about especially Kansai area, where there are some present-day major cities and other age-old or traditional major cities. They abound in awesome spots to see. Let's enjoy various type of tours. My hobby is to walk around minor part of towns as well and mountainside to refresh my life and watch sport game such as baseball and soccer game, not just indoor game. As I have lived in foreign countries, I think I know what you are thinking about. Kick off our project for fun. thanks

Yasuhisa N.

Japan

I was born in Osaka and now I live in Wakayama prefecture. I have visited more than 800 sightseeing spots in Kansai area including Koyasan. With my experience of visiting 15 foreign countries, I want to introduce Japanese culture and beauties of Koyasan. If my guests wish to take part in some activites, they can join the Ajikan meditation, Jukai and Trekkings. My guests are assured to have an enjoyable trip that is safe and comfortable.

Yasuo H.

4.50 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

I was born and grew up in Wakayama prefecture. Since I was very young, I walked and run by motorcycle and car in the mountain region of Kii peninsula (Wakayama). I learned the nature of Wakayama well it’s tenderness and danger. I wish to make the only one trip for my customers. There are many natural and historical sites in Wakayama because of its unique geographical nature and the longest history in Japan. You can enjoy various type of trip as ancient road walk, spectacular landscapes of the coastlines, suspension bridges, mountains and hot springs.

Day Trips from Mount Koya

Reviews

N

Natalie C.

5 / 5
Aug 27, 2024

Koya San with Hiro

Hiroyuki was a superb guide! We had already spent 2 weeks in the Kansai region, but our day with Hiro on Mt Koya was certainly one of the highlights, due to the detail of his plans and knowledge. Calm and easy to chat to, Hiro provided us with many insights into Japanese culture, beyond the fascinating insights into Kukai, esoteric Buddhism and Koya San. He patiently answered our many questions and gave us some very useful tips for our trip to Nachi the following day! We had an amazing lunch in a restaurant recommended by him and it was fascinating to learn so much about many varied topics. We will always remember this amazing experience and would highly recommend him as a guide! Thanks again, Hiro!

Elijah C.

5 / 5
Jul 22, 2024

One day Koya trip

Nobuko (NoNo) was a great one-day tour guide. She met us promptly at the hotel and took us through the itinerary for the day, making sure we were ready for the experience. Once in Koyasan, she took us for a well-paced walk through the cemetery, stopping at multiple shrines, graves and other points of interest, which we would have otherwise missed the significance of. When we reached the most holy place on the tour, where etiquette had to be strictly observed, NoNo explained in a helpful way to make sure we understood the significance of where we were and how to get the most of this unique experience. We toured further temples after lunch, but NoNo made sure our 13 year old son stayed invested and interested in the tour, including when it was time to take an ice cream break ;). Lastly, she made sure we were correctly checked into the Buddhist Monks' monastery for our overnight stay before leaving us. We recommend you book NoNo for your tour!

Nobuko O.

Thank you for your kind feedback, Elijah! san! I'm glad you enjoyed the Koyasan tour and that your son stayed engaged. It was a pleasure to guide you, and I appreciate your recommendation. I hope to see you on another adventure soon! Best Regards, Nono

R

Ricardo G.

5 / 5
Jun 5, 2024

A Fabulous Guide

Hiroyuki is a knowledgeable and caring guide who took his time to explain the intricacies of the culture, religion and history of Koyasan and Japan as a whole. We were very lucky to have had such a wonderful guide.

Hiroyuki T.

It was very nice spending time with you and your family in Koyasan today. Many thanks to you all. It is very good to know that you liked culture and history of Japan. It is good as well to know that you liked food in Koyasan. It was nice to dine at the restaurant which catered to the Showa Emperor, wasn’t it? I hope that you will have wonderful days in Osaka as well. Please come to Japan again, there are a lot more to see and to experience here.

E

Eduard W.

5 / 5
May 5, 2024

Fantastic guide!

Hiro is an amazing guide! He explained everything we saw, helped us to understand much better Japan and its culture. Highly recommend him as a guide, also because of his kind and attentive manners. Fantastic job! Hope to see you again.

Hiroyuki T.

Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to spend time with you in Koyasan. I was very surprised with your knowledge about the religions in Japan. It's always nice to speak with someone with a lot of knowledge. It was also good to hear that you were in Japan for honey moon. Please come back to my area again, there are a lot more to see here.

Mount Koya Private Tour Guide

Whether it’s your first time to Mount Koya or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Mount Koya has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself! You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Mount Koya tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that. There is so much to see and do in Mount Koya, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.

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