Osaka in One Day: Koyasan by train & Namba — Guide Yuki

December, 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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

8:30 　　　 Meet at Caption by Hyatt Namba
8:30-10:23　 Move to Koyasan by train
10:27-10:45 Move to Okunoin by Koyasan bus
10:45-12:18 Stay at Okunoin
12:18-12:23 Move to restaurant by Koyasan bus
12:23-13:15 Lunch
13:15-13:47 Walk around Okuno-in Ichinohashi erea/ Shojoshin-in(fire ritual)
13:47-13:55 Move to Danjo Garan temple complex by bus
13:55-15:00 Stay at Danjo Garan temple complex
15:00-15:40 Stay at Kongobu-ji Temple
15:42-16:00 Move to Koyasan Station by Koyasan bus
16:10-17:57 Move to Namba
Around 18:00 East exit of Namba (End of the tour)

Title: What Is a Private Day Trip to Mount Koya (Koyasan) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The group traveled together to Mount Koya (Koyasan) for a full day. We were just in time for the reserved-seat limited express at 8:40, so we arrived at Mount Koya earlier than planned. We decided to visit Okunoin in the morning, and since the 2-kilometer route seemed a bit demanding for one of the guests, we walked the shorter course starting from Nakanohashi. One of the guests apparently drinks Yakult every day, and was delighted to see the corporate memorial for Yakult, as well as the memorial towers for coffee, Apollo chocolates, and even one dedicated to termites. They also said the old moss-covered memorial towers were beautiful and took many photos. One of the guests seemed interested in Japanese history and knew the names of several warlords, so our conversation lively covered stories of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, who once sought to attack Mount Koya. They also enjoyed the shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). I had our photo taken together by a staff member at the restaurant. We were also in time for the goma fire ritual at Seijoshin-in, so we watched a little before entering the Danjo Garan and Kongobu-ji. The guests appeared to follow Buddhism and prayed earnestly at each site.

Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Day Trip from Osaka in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.	Transportation	Route	Fare
Section 1	Free Pass	Nankai Namba Station～Koyasan	4,090JPY
Total			4,090JPY

Tour Report by Yuki

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.

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