Private Tour
Koyasan Full-Day Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
You will visit very unique, religious town with a knowledgeable licensed local guide. We will help you understand Koyasan as much as possible. We visit two most sacred areas in Koyasan. One is Garan-monastic complex and the other is Okunoin-the holy place for Kobo Daishi (the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan) belief. And we also visit Kongobuji temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. You will be able to learn about real Koyasan only a local guide knows. We walk about 3 km in Okunoin feeling the sacred atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of gravestones standing on both sides of the pass flanked by tall centuries-old cedar trees.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Even though it is unlikely, you are responsible for any damage, loss, accidents, or injuries during this tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guide Fee
Admisstion fees to Kongobuji temple, Kompon Daito and Kondo
Restaurant or cafe
Local bus
What To Expect
Koyasan Daimon
You will get general information of Koyasan.
Koyasan Danjo Garan
You will visit the main hall of Koyasan and Kompon Daito (the fundamental pagoda) to know the teaching of Kobo Daishi-Kukai, the founder of Koyasan and learn about Japanese religion.
Options
Koyasan Full-Day Private Tour
Reviews
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful day at a magical place
Andy B,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Noriko is not only a very knowledgeable guide, she is also the kindest person. During the day we've spent on Koyasan she taught us so much about Kobo Daishi. At the mausoleum we got to say a prayer together.
Day trip to Koyasan
carloenrico f,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00interesting and mystical place to visit after seeing the other ancient cities and capitals of Japan. The guide Toshio is very good, prepared and friendly. He also provided us (and this was not due in his duties but he did it out of kindness) with all the necessary information to reach the place of the appointment from our hotel such as metro line, place and type of ticket pass to buy, timetable and train platform. Really Great Service.
A unique, insightful and flexible day exploring Koyasan
Christopher B,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day with Noriko, who was extremely knowledgeable, adjusted the itinerary to suit us, and was a pleasure to spend the day with. We even shared in a Kechien Kanjo ritual, which was unplanned but an amazing experience. Even without this, we would have had an amazing day immersed in Japanese history while exploring Koyasan. I'd highly recommend it to fully appreciate this special, unique place.
Yokosan”
Elvira G,
May 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful time with Ricardo, my husband and I enjoyed the day with him, very knowledgeable and friendly!
Koyasan magic
flameon70,
Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An incredible journey through the beginnings of esoteric Buddhism as told by Noriko whilst visiting the site of Koyasan. . The temples and shrines but most of all the cemetery of over 200,000 people going back over 1000 years. It is a beautiful restful place where some of the greatest war lords are memorialized. This is a must see , even the train ride up the mountain is spectacular and the trip starts at the top at the magnificent Daimon gate
Noriko’s hidden treasures by Jez
jezveal,
Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Noriko was passionate about Koyasan’s history, teaching us many customs, showing us the hidden stories, and taking us to a lovely restaurant. It will be a day to remember for a very long time. Definitely worth going on this tour with Noriko
Noriko is perfect Koyasan guide
Bart A,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Noriko-san, our perfect guide for our trip to Koyasan, made the beauty of the place truly meaningful to us. Her extensive knowledge was complemented by her enthusiasm, engagement, and passion for the culture and spiritual significance of Koyasan. We would recommend booking this Viator tour only if Noriko is your guide.
The Most Beautiful Place on Earth
jessliona,
Aug 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've traveled around the world quite a lot, and I have to say that Koyasan is by far the most stunningly beautiful place I've ever seen. Bar none. On the path to the mausoleum, you can see thousands of tombs blended with this ancient forest of cypress, cedar, and pine trees. Utterly breathtaking. I could stay there all day, just taking in the mystical hum of the old trees and the spirits that have passed on. I only wish I had stayed a few days in Wakayama to be able to see more of it! The day trip I made from Osaka didn't do Koyasan justice—there must be a next time! This town is completely amazing on its own, but if you have the good fortune of being paired with the all-star guide Noriko Hosokawa, you will have the time of your life. I stayed in Japan for three weeks this trip, and Noriko is easily one of the top 3 guides I met along the way. She is an absolute ray of sunshine of a person—warm and welcoming from the very first moment I greeted her. We were like two giggling school girls from start to end—there was so much to joke about, so much to reflect on, so much to learn. Spending a day with Noriko is such a gift and so enlivening. Will definitely be reaching out to her next time I'm in Japan to continue the Koyasan adventures!
Exceptional guide in Koyasan
imitrana,
Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Huge thank you to Noriko for an amazing full day tour experience in Koyasan. Noriko is very knowledgeable, professional, kind and was receptive to all of our requests on this tour. She picked us up right in our temple lodging and gave us a detailed History explanation. Our boys, 13 & 15 years old loved her stories and were never bored. Noriko’s English was excellent. Highly, highly recommended!
An Amazing Experience in Koyasan
Gloria P,
Jul 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide did a fantastic job of showing us the wonders of Koyasan. She was thorough, professional and very friendly. Her knowledge of the area was impressive. Would highly recommend this experience.
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Operated by WAK Guide