Mount Koya Tours

Book a Private Mount Koya Tour with a Local Tour Guide

Mount Koya Art, Culture, & Historical 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$268/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(126 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$413/ 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$169/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 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$372/ 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$211/ per group
Tadashi N.

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$372/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

Koyasan three-hour intensive exploring

Mount Koya
3 hours

Shall we have a pleasure to enjoy eye-catching spots. In addition to Garan,Main spot, let's go to a temple inside, Kongousanmaiin,supporting temple of the head temple and also Sainanin temple.

FROM$70/ per person
Tadashi N.

【Private】Okunoin Cemetery Day Tour

Mount Koya
2 hours

Why don’t we visit “Kobo Daishi aka Kukai” together with the monk of Koyasan to Okunoin ? Monks who have license to guide in English take you an enjoyable tour to Okunoin cemetery. We will visit the following places: ◆ Gobyo is 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 such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi ◆ The monument of Matsuo Basho and so on....

FROM$169/ per group
Koyasan resident guides N.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)

Day Trips from Mount Koya

Reviews

Jill M.

5 / 5
Sep 18, 2024

Rababe was a delight

We so enjoyed our day in Tangier with Rababe. She was on time when she met us at the port & her English was amazing. We toured the old town & markets, had lunch & learned to make chicken pastilla at her home. Rababe is gracious, informative & a great ambassador of Tangier & Morocco. No pressure selling or carpet store tours as is common with guides. Don’t hesitate to book with Rababe & you will always have a friend here with a kind heart.

P

Perry B.

5 / 5
Sep 18, 2024

Our driver was kind, knowledgeable & respectful. Expectations met.

We had a fantastic time. Our driver arrived right on time. While his English was limited, he tried very hard, and we managed to communicate effectively anyway. We saw the places agreed and never felt rushed. We sensed a great sense of pride on his part in ensuring foreigners enjoy their time in the Hakone area. Would definitely hire him again.

T

Tom H.

5 / 5
Sep 18, 2024

Fantastic Fish Market Experience thanks to Hiromi!

Hiromi gave us really helpful directions to our meeting place prior to the tour, as well as other places we might like. She was really attentive toward our interests and preferences, having prepared small gifts for us upon meeting us and arranging for various foods to be picked up ahead of time which was very much appreciated. She couldn’t have made our experience any more comfortable, constantly making sure we’re doing alright (it was a scorching day, 35 degrees with harsh sun I believe). She acquired us local food and drinks at the market so we didn’t have to queue such as wagyu sushi, green tea and local snacks. She took us to the market at the perfect time to witness a ginormous tuna being filleted and prepared which was a spectacle. We finished off with a delicious tuna sashimi bowl she organised beforehand which couldn’t have been fresher or tastier. She’s super knowledgeable about Japanese culture and local history of Tsukiji which was fun to talk with her about. There’s no way you won’t be looked after with Hiromi, she’s a perfect guide for a first-time Tokyo visitor who wants to branch off and see a vibrant street market. Bubbly, eager and attentive. Such a kind person, we need more Hiromis in the world!

Hiromi N.

Dear Tom sama and his lovely family, Thank you for choosing to visit Tsukiji despite the sweltering heat and for entrusting me with the role of your guide. While the United Kingdom may not require air conditioning, Tsukiji felt like a tropical island. I imagine the long journey must have been exhausting. Again, thank you for choosing to spend a precious part of your lives in Japan. Your graciousness and respect for Japanese culture and people were truly admirable. I was deeply impressed by your composure, keen observations, thoughtful remarks, and the wonderful vision you have for the future. I sincerely hope that your trip to Japan has provided valuable inspiration for you and your family. How did you find the food? Britain offers a delightful culinary experience, with delicacies such as Yorkshire pudding, which your sister lovingly prepares for her charming boyfriend, and the ever-popular fish and chips. I'm glad that you enjoyed a variety of Japanese local cuisine. Japan, emerging onto the global stage at the end of the 19th century, formed its first alliance with Britain. Since then, we have been greatly influenced by British ethics and morality, which have played a significant role in shaping Japanese society. We continue to aspire to learn more from Britain. I sincerely wish for the continued prosperity and happiness for all of you. Please remember that the gods of Tsukiji are always rooting for your happiness and success. May all your dreams come true! Words cannot fully express my gratitude for your visit. May all good things come your way... Thank you very much. Warmest regards, Hiromi

T

Tom H.

5 / 5
Sep 18, 2024

Great night you wouldn’t get without Shusaku!

Shusaku gave us a tour of the Shinjuku area, showing us the sights and guiding us through the bustling nightlife. We stopped at several small Izakayas for food and drinks whilst we had fun conversations about where we’re from, and about Shinjuku. We had a really fun night and got us into some really small and iconic bars which let us to meet some new people and enjoy some more drinks. Shusaku was great all-round, really friendly guy who gave us lots of time to look around and went out of his way to book us a table for some food in case it was busy, and he also makes for a great photographer and knows some good photo spots!

Shusaku M.

I am happy to have met you! I look forward to you coming back to Japan. Thank you for visiting Japan! I had a great time with you.

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Private Tours in Mount Koya

Travel like a real local. With our lineup of varied tours we want to help you customize and realize your ideal tour in Mount Koya. Our guides can arrange for you to visit areas specific to your interests, so there will be no filler in the itinerary! Browse all the tours we offer in Mount Koya, and find the perfect one for you. The tours come in a variety of categories and lengths, so chances are you will be able to find the tour for you. Looking for something you couldn’t find in our lineup? Go ahead and send a message to one of the guides, they will create your tour for you! Teaming up with a local guide and getting their help in planning the itinerary is the smart way to travel, so let them sort everything out for you.