1-Day World Heritage Site - Mt. Koya Tour (Without Guide)

Embark on a spiritual journey to the serene and sacred Mt. Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with our 1-Day self-guided tour. This adventure promises the freedom to explore Mt. Koya's spiritual wonders and architectural marvels at your own pace, enhanced by the convenience of a bus pass and discount coupons for entry to various significant sites.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of temple lodgings and partake in a unique dining experience with a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine lunch. Embrace an eco-friendly exploration that aligns with Sunrise Tours' commitment to Sustainable Development Goals.

From majestic temples to peaceful landscapes, your soulful exploration of Mt. Koya awaits— take advantage of this opportunity to connect with history, culture, and nature. Book your journey now and enter a world where spiritual heritage meets natural beauty.

Tour Highlights

• Tour at Nankai Namba Station: Take a train ride to Gokurakubashi Station via Nankai Railway (Express, non-reserved seat).

• Journey to Koyasan: From Gokurakubashi Station, a brief cable car ride takes you to Koyasan Station, the gateway to Mt. Koya.

• Self-Guided Sightseeing at Mt. Koya: Explore the spiritual and cultural sites at your leisure with a Mt. Koya (Koyasan) bus pass and discount coupons for various admissions. Highlights include visiting Okuno-in (the mausoleum of Kukai) and Danjogaran, the heartland of Mt. Koya.

• Authentic Dining Experience: Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine lunch at a temple lodging in Koyasan with English guidance.

• Return Journey: Post-lunch, the return trip begins with a cable car ride from Koyasan Station to Gokurakubashi Station, followed by a train journey back to Nankai Namba Station, marking the end of the tour.

Tour Itinerary

8:30 AM

The tour starts with participants departing from Nankai Namba Station embarking on a 120-minute train ride to Gokurakubashi Station. This journey utilizes the Nankai Railway, specifically an express service with non-reserved seating.

Transition to Koyasan

Upon Arrival at Gokurakubashi Station: A brief yet scenic cable car ride directly takes participants from Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station. This part of the journey offers a unique landscape perspective as you ascend to the mountaintop.

Exploration of Mt. Koya

Sightseeing at Mt. Koya: Once at Mt. Koya, participants can explore the area's rich cultural and spiritual heritage at their own pace. They are equipped with a Mt. Koya (Koyasan) bus pass and discount coupons for various admission fees, enabling access to significant sites such as Okuno-in (the mausoleum of Kukai) and Danjogaran (the heartland of Mt. Koya).

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Participants are treated to a unique dining experience with a Buddhist vegetarian cuisine lunch at a temple lodging in Koyasan. This meal offers a taste of monastic life and comes with English guidance to enrich the experience.

Return Journey

Post-Lunch: The return journey begins with a cable car ride from Koyasan Station to Gokurakubashi Station.

From Gokurakubashi Station: Participants then take the train back to Nankai Namba Station, marking the end of the tour. Like the initial journey, this train ride is aboard the Nankai Railway express service with non-reserved seats and lasts approximately 120 minutes.

Conclusion

Arrival at Nankai Namba Station: The tour concludes upon arrival back at Nankai Namba Station, where participants can reflect on a day filled with spiritual exploration, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.

What's Included

• Lunch at a Koyasan temple lodging with Buddhist vegetarian cuisine

• Discount coupons for various admission fees

• Transportation costs, including train and cable car rides

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Minimum number of participants required to book the tour: 2

• Minimum number of participants needed to run the tour: 2

• Tour may be canceled if the minimum of 2 participants is not met four days before the scheduled date

• Bookings can be made until 9:00 AM, four days before the tour departure

• For weekends and holidays, bookings must be completed by the preceding business day

• Participants are advised to bring warm attire

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long is the train journey to Mt. Koya?

Ans: The train journey from Nankai Namba Station to Gokurakubashi Station takes approximately 120 minutes.

Q: Is there a dress code for the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine lunch?

Ans: There is no specific dress code for the lunch, but we recommend wearing comfortable and respectful attire.

Q: Can children join this tour?

Ans: Yes, children can join the tour. Please note that an adult must accompany all minors.

Q: Are there additional fees for the Mt. Koya bus pass and discount coupons?

Ans: No, the Mt. Koya bus pass and discount coupons are included in the tour price.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Mt. Koya?

Ans: Mt. Koya can be visited year-round, but the peak seasons are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, each season offers a unique experience, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful foliage in autumn.

Q: Are there any other activities or attractions at Mt. Koya?

Ans: Yes, there are various activities and attractions at Mt. Koya, such as temple stays, hiking trails, and hot springs. Participants can also explore the town's traditional shops and try local food specialties. Additionally, depending on the time of year, there may be special events or festivals at Mt. Koya that visitors can experience.

Q: Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?

Ans: The cable car and train rides are wheelchair accessible, but some of the sites at Mt. Koya may have limited accessibility. Please get in touch with us before booking if you have any specific mobility-related concerns or requirements.

Related Read: What to Expect When You Visit Mount Koya, Japan's Sacred Peak