Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour — Guide Yuka

November, 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

  • 1. 10:30 Meet up @Koyasan Station
  • 2. 11:00 @Okunoin
  • 3. 13:15 @Kongobuji Temple
  • 4. 14:00 @Danjo Garan
  • 5. 14:45 Disband @Danjo Garan

What Is a Private Guided Tour of Mount Koya (Koyasan) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests had purchased a World Heritage Koyasan digital ticket in advance, but it seemed quite inconvenient to use, and even at Koyasan Station they could not get through the ticket gate without having a station attendant check it. Because it was the autumn foliage season with many tourists around, and to avoid any difficulty when I was not present, I had them purchase the paper limited express ticket for the return trip in advance. Also, with a paper World Heritage ticket there would have been a discount at Kongobuji Temple, but the digital ticket did not qualify for the discount. When I happened to have a discount coupon and gave it to them, they were very pleased. At Okunoin, some of the guests eagerly took photographs, while others listened carefully to my explanations. Unfortunately, the Torodo Hall could not be visited because it was under repair. There was a notice stating that it would be closed from November 18 until the end of August next year. Okunoin without the Torodo Hall loses half of its appeal, so this was very disappointing. Some guests actually sign up for this tour after seeing photographs of the Torodo Hall, and such guests would surely be very disappointed. I think this should be communicated at the time of booking. I felt that without the Torodo Hall, I would find it difficult to guide at Koyasan. The guests on this tour were very satisfied with Okunoin, Kongobuji, and the Danjo Garan, so all ended well. They were very happy and said they were glad to have met me. I was very pleased to hear them say so.

Click here for more details: Mt. Koya Sacred Sites Half-Day Tour with Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusKoyasan Station～Okunoin-guchi500JPY
Section 2BusOkunoin-mae～Senjuinbashi-higashi270JPY
Section 3BusSenjuinbashi-higashi～Koyasan Station460JPY
Total1,230JPY

Tour Report by YUKA

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

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