Osaka in One Day: Stayed at Okunoin & Shopping at Koyasan — Guide Yuki

Title: What Is a Private Day Trip from Osaka to Koyasan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Some of the guests needed to stop and catch their breath from time to time, and climbing stairs was difficult. Our departure was delayed, but we just barely made the 8:40 limited express train. The Hotel was a five-minute walk to the Midosuji Line subway, but from there it was more than ten minutes to Nankai Namba Station—a distance that would be no problem for most people, but reaching the train bound for Koyasan coincided with rush hour and proved to be a challenge. On the Nankai line we were able to use the limited express Koya, which had restrooms and vending machines on board, so it was perfect for meeting the guests' needs. (I have attached an image of the reserved seat ticket for only my own portion to the invoice.) Since much of the sightseeing so far had been in urban areas, the guests enjoyed the natural and solemn atmosphere of Okunoin and took many photos. Some of the guests decided to sit and wait near the bridge in front of the mausoleum while the rest visited the mausoleum. The restaurant was conveniently located near the Nakanohashi entrance within Okunoin, and from there we were able to catch the bus in front of the Kondo, which took us to the front of the central gate of the Garan. The guests were delighted to see high school students rehearsing dances and performances inside the Kondo for the June festival celebrating the birth of Kobo Daishi. From the veranda of the Kondo we viewed much of the Garan, and we went down to visit the places they particularly wanted to see. As they did not have the stamina to walk to Kongobuji, we decided not to visit it and instead took the bus in front of the Kondo back to Koyasan Station. For the return, they preferred a train without the 790-yen reserved seat charge, and since the Tenku train has non-reserved seating that can be used as a limited express with no extra fee, I got off first to secure seats for the group. After arriving at Namba, some of the guests decided to return to the Hotel by taxi, while another wanted to take photos and shop at "Donguri Republic" for a family member but was unsure of the location, so I searched for it online, took them there, and afterward escorted them to the Hotel. The guests were pleased to be able to visit "Donguri Republic," as their movements had been somewhat limited otherwise. This was outside the tour course but offered as a service. Despite various constraints, I was able to successfully realize what the guests wanted to see and do, which made this a rewarding experience as a guide.

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

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.