Women were forbidden to enter Koyasan until 1872. Koyasan, literally means Mt Koya, a 900 high highland located in Wakayama Prefecture is a center of Buddhist study. A founder of Shingon Sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai who was granted by emperor Saga to use this land in 816. You can touch the Buddhist concept of vicissitude in a walk through the path toward innermost sanctum in deep ceder tree forest.
At your hotel in Kansai district ( Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara)
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
To arrive at train station, JR Shin-Imamiya Station, or JR Tengachaya Station, or Nankai Namba Station whichever closer to your hotel. To arrive at Koya town after boarding a local train for approx 90 min ride, followed thereafter boarding 5 min cable car and 10 min Nankai Rinkan Bus. 5 min walk from bus stop, Kongo Buji-Mae will take us 1st stop at Danjo Garan Complex following after such as (1) Konpon Daido Pagoda, (2) Kon-Do hall, (3) Chu-mon Gate, (4) Sanko no Matsu Pine Tree. Then walk again back to Kongo Buji-Mae bus stop in front of the main highllights of Koyasan, Kongo-Buji Head Temple.
The head temple of more than 4,000 temples of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in the world. Highlights includes elegant pictures on sliding doors, a grand kichen and the room Toyotomi Hidetsugu committed suicide, Kongo-buji Temple Dry Garden named "Banryuu-Tei", 2,340m2 largest dry garden in Japan.
We go through (1) Sando (approach), (2) Gobyo no hashi Bridge, (3) Asekaki Jizo (sweating jizo statue) and Sugatami no Ido (Mirror Well) that lead us Kobo Daishi Gobyo Mausoleum
To take the same route a way back to Gokurakubashi Station from Koya town by use of Nankai Rinkai bus and cable car.
At your hotel in Kansai district ( Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
Included:
*Travel expense for the guide as required to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Return tickets for the guide to go to Koyasan station from Gokurakkubashi station by a cable
*Return tickets for the guide to go to Bus station, Kongobuji temple mae by a bus
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals , drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
*Return train tickets for the guide between Nankai Namba station to Gokurakubashi station
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like for the guide as might be required at private or public entertainment facilities.
Women were forbidden to enter Koyasan until 1872. Koyasan, literally means Mt Koya, a 900 high highland located in Wakayama Prefecture is a center of Buddhist study. A founder of Shingon Sect, Kobo Daishi Kukai who was granted by emperor Saga to use this land in 816 had not passed away but is believed still sitting in eternal meditation at Okunoin (a cemetery, innermost sanctum in deep towering cedar trees) 1,812 temples were built here in Koyasan and now 117 temples remain. The path, continues about 2 km from the Ichinobashi bridge to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, is lined on both sides by hundreds of commoners’ and also great hero’s gravestones, memorial pagodas. We can touch the Buddhist concept of vicissitude in a walk through this path.
- TICKETING -
Recommend purchasing "Koyasan world heritage tickets" in advance
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Koyasan Temple complex and the path to Kobo Daishi Gobyo (Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi)
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temples complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
We spent the day in Kyoto with Masahisa (Mike). We started the day at Katsura Imperial Villa - the gardens were magical. It is an incredible place, off the beaten path, and is worth a special visit. If you can get a tour with Mike, it is very special. From there, we went to Sanjūsangen-dō, the home of 1001 Buddhas. It is really awe inspiring. The 1001 Buddhas, and the statues of the deities, are amazing. After a well needed cold. drink, we made our way into the Kyoto National museum, which had a range of ceramics, scrolls, paintings, etc., which were all interesting. After lunch, we visited a craft area, which had a range of beautiful craft goods made in the Kyoto area. We could have hung around there all day! Mike was a terrific guide, and is kind, and generous. As much as we enjoyed the sights, we enjoyed meeting Mike even more. He took such good care of us on a hot and humid day, and made our tour of Kyoto one to remember. If you get a chance to get a tour with Mike, we recommend you do so. And I understand he can guide in many areas around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, etc., so you would have many options. Again, thank you so much Mike!
Guy Thank you for coming all the way to Kyoto in this sweltering heat from beautiful country. I still dazzle with the photos I took of the pure white sandy beach and clear blue sky at your Pearth Beach, West Coast which I visited some time ago. The scorching heat here is still continuing, so please take care of your health and I wish you return home safely. Thanks Masahisa
Masahisa is an outstanding guide with unmatched work ethics - it was a pleasure to spend two days with him. Initially, he stood out for me by detailed long responses. It allowed us to collaborate ahead of time with extremely detailed customized planning of the trip. Masahisa ensured that our wishes were accommodated, including a bullet train ride. He showed up on time for both days and stayed extra, as needed. Incredible planning skills resulted in minimal waiting for trains, even with 3 train changes. Masahisa is very kind and friendly - he took a lot of group pictures for us, and even printed them! He provided us with very detailed portfolio of information for both days. He was not available for the third day, so gave us detailed instructions. Choices of lunch places for both days were excellent. He went extra mile to book world-known Kobe beef restaurant for us. Highly recommend!
Alexander Thank you for stopping by Kansai in this scorching hot season. Hearing about your homes in S.F, NYK, Evanston, Northwestern Univ, and other update from your party reminded me of my active days in my yourth in US . I was also grateful for the two enjoyable days. If you have the opportunity, please come again. Wish you all return home safely with great family memory in the Far East Island. Thanks Masahisa
Msahisa (Mike) is a true professional and a gentleman. Despite living near Nara he travelled to and from Osaka to make sure we had no issues. He gave us tremendous history and whisked us around Nara via bus and taxi to insure we maximized the experience. Plus he took many wonderful pictures of our family that will be treasured. Arigato Masahisa-San We heartliy recommend him for others!
Chris I’m sure you're all tired from walking through the vast Nara Park after a long flight and not being able to compensate for the time difference. Wish you continue to enjoy your journey here, and return home safely with great family memory. Thanks Masahisa
Mike was a great tour guide whose attention to detail and kindness really made our trip. His knowledge of Kyoto and Japan made sure we left with a lot of good information. We went to many places, and he made sure our experience was streamlined and easy to follow. Thank you so much for the awesome adventure!
Jennifer Welcome from City of Big Hearts. I'm sure you are all probably tired from walking such a long distance today without recovering from jet lag. I wish adventure in the Far East for rest of days will be a memorable one for your family. Thank again for visiting us all the way. Thanks Masahisa