Wakayama in One Day: Saizenin by Koyasan bus — Guide Yuki
September, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan.
Tour Itinerary
- １０：５０ Meet at Koyasan Station
- １０：５６～１０：１５ Move to Saizenin by Koyasan bus
- １０：４５～１２：００ Stay at the Garan
- １２：０５～１２：１５ Move to Miyama by Koyasan bus
- １２：２０～１３：１０ Lunch (Miyama)
- １３：１５～１３：２５ Move to Okunoin-mae by Koyasan bus
- １３：２５～１４：４０ Stay at Okunoin
- １４：４０～１５：００ Move to Senjuinbashi by Koyasan bus
- １５：１０～１６：００ Stay at Kongobuji
- １６：００～１６：１５ Move to Saizenin while guiding through the Garan
- １６：１５ Disband at Saizenin
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at １０:５０ at Koyasan Station and ended at １６:１５. It included lunch (Miyama) at １２:２０.
Over the course of the day the route took in Saizenin by Koyasan bus at １０:５６, Stay at the Garan at １０:４５, Miyama by Koyasan bus at １２:０５, Okunoin-mae by Koyasan bus at １３:１５, Stay at Okunoin at １３:２５, Senjuinbashi by Koyasan bus at １４:４０, Stay at Kongobuji at １５:１０ and Saizenin while guiding through the Garan at １６:００.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Koyasan Station to Kondo-mae by bus (410JPY); Kongobuji-mae to Tamagawa-dori by bus (160JPY); Tamagawa-dori to Okunoin-mae by bus (160JPY); Okunoin-mae to Senjuinbashi by bus (270JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,000JPY per person.
What Is a Private Koyasan Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests had originally been interested, through an intermediary agency, in incorporating a walk along a traditional pilgrimage path into the tour, but since they were coming from Osaka and were especially tired after visiting USJ, they requested less walking and preferred sightseeing within Koyasan. We therefore took the short course of Okunoin, along with Kongobuji Temple and a brief look at the Danjo Garan complex. They mentioned that finishing by a little after 4:00 would be fine, and since checking in at the first location, Saizen-in, took some time, we ended up with just barely enough time. Because they had also signed up for a night tour of Okunoin, we followed a course that could be enjoyed during the daytime. They enjoyed seeing the newer corporate graves and monuments. They also enjoyed strolling through the natural setting surrounded by ancient trees, remarking on how fresh the air was and how pleasant it felt. They poured water over the Mizumuke Jizo statues and offered incense and candles in front of the mausoleum, experiencing these customs just as Japanese visitors do. At Kongobuji Temple, they said they were glad to have seen the old temple buildings, the sliding-door paintings, the Banryutei rock garden, and the temple kitchen. As for the Danjo Garan, I only gave a brief explanation on the way to Saizen-in and did not have enough time to explain it fully, but since it seemed better for them to be able to relax today, I tried not to cram in too much. They said that if they felt up to it the next morning, they would explore on their own.
Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Koyasan Station～Kondo-mae | 410JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kongobuji-mae～Tamagawa-dori | 160JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Tamagawa-dori～Okunoin-mae | 160JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Okunoin-mae～Senjuinbashi | 270JPY |
| Total | 1,000JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Wakayama tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Koyasan Station at １０:５０, and the tour finished at Saizenin at １６:１５.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Saizenin by Koyasan bus, Stay at the Garan, Miyama by Koyasan bus, Okunoin-mae by Koyasan bus, Stay at Okunoin, Senjuinbashi by Koyasan bus, Stay at Kongobuji and Saizenin while guiding through the Garan.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,000JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yuki is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Wakayama itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.
Aug 17, 2026
yasmintX6792FN
Great trip
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It was a great time and very interesting…
Aug 17, 2026
yasmintX6792FN
Great trip
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It was a great time and very interesting hearing about the history. Something we wouldnt have known if we visited the places ourselves
Jun 23, 2026
Shelley_E
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Shelley_E
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There is much to do in Osaka so carefully choose 3 or 4 sights to visit. Yuki was a great tour
guide and she communicated with us before the tour to find out what we wanted to see
and do. She was knowledgeable about the city and its history.
May 28, 2026
Duncan_R
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A Great Tour of Kyoto
The tour was both very informative and…
May 28, 2026
Duncan_R
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A Great Tour of Kyoto
The tour was both very informative and incredibly picturesque, while also serving as some good exercise. The guide was pleasant throughout and easy to understand so the experience was a lot of fun overall. We would recommend the tour to anyone looking to see the sights of Kyoto through the lens of someone with a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
May 28, 2026
ignaciosilenzi
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Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
Miyuki was…
May 28, 2026
ignaciosilenzi
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Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
Miyuki was an amazing guide. She was very attentive and shared all the historical details
and information we needed to know. Thank you, Miyuki, for such a beautiful family day in
Koyasan.