Wakayama in Half a Day: Juzuya Shirobei & Stay at Okunoin — Guide Yuki

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

I guided a group of guests from Asia. Everyone was enthusiastic and had an open, flexible attitude toward experiencing a different culture. We started the tour 30 minutes early to allow time for lunch. The group had just arrived by taxi from Kyoto at Ekoin, so we first waited about 10 minutes to hear an explanation about the temple lodging. Since the bus schedule did not match, we walked to Senjuinbashi, making a few stops along the way and enjoying activities such as the "womb passage" (tainai-kuguri). As many of the guests were vegetarian, I asked a chef I know to prepare shojin (Buddhist vegetarian) bento boxes. After that, we ended up spending quite a bit of time shopping. The guests studied things in their own way, looking at memorial tablets, prayer beads, and goshuin stamp books. Even at the small souvenir shop at Kongobuji Temple, they checked their zodiac signs and guardian Buddhas and bought protective charms. They enjoyed the rock garden at Kongobuji, the various rooms, and the old, traditional Japanese features. Due to time constraints, we viewed the Garan complex briefly and then took the bus to Nakanohashi in Okunoin. Perhaps because they wanted to enjoy the stroll, or because they walked slowly, it took some time, but everyone loved the unique beauty of Okunoin, and on the way back we even heard the song of a Japanese bush warbler.

I believe the guests enjoyed the charm of Koyasan, which is so different from the city.

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