Mount Koya from Osaka: Cultural Small Group Day Tour

Discover the spiritual heart of Japan on a day trip to Mount Koya from Osaka. Visit Okunoin Cemetery, enjoy a Shojin Ryori lunch, and explore Kongobuji Temple with a guide.
Begin your day with a hotel pickup in central Osaka and a scenic ride to Koyasan in a private, comfortable vehicle. Upon arrival, your professional English-speaking guide will provide an introduction to the history and significance of this sacred mountain.

The first stop is Okunoin, Japan’s largest and most revered cemetery. Walk a stone-paved path lined with ancient cedars and thousands of moss-covered tombstones, leading to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, who is believed to be meditating in eternal rest. This part of the journey is silent, powerful, and emotionally resonant — a rare experience of peace and reflection.

Next, enjoy a traditional Shojin Ryori lunch. Made without meat, fish, or strong seasonings, the meal emphasizes seasonal vegetables and simple, mindful preparation. It’s not only delicious, but also a reflection of the Buddhist values of harmony, compassion, and gratitude.

After lunch, visit the Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism. Inside, admire the elegant sliding doors (fusuma) adorned with traditional ink paintings, and stroll through Banryutei, Japan’s largest rock garden, which symbolically represents dragons emerging from clouds.

Continue with a Shakyo (sutra copying) session or a chance to observe a Goma fire ritual, depending on temple availability. Both are important Buddhist practices—Shakyo invites guests to slow down and copy sacred texts in meditation, while the Goma ritual is a dynamic prayer ceremony that uses fire to cleanse negative energies.

The tour also includes a visit to Danjo Garan, a symbolic temple complex filled with pagodas, statues, and halls arranged in mandala-like harmony.

Before returning to Osaka, there will be free time to shop for incense, prayer beads, or quietly reflect at one of the many serene corners of the town.

Om de beschikbaarheid te garanderen, dient u zo snel mogelijk te reserveren. Vroegboekkorting is het overwegen waard, vooral als u de reis plant tijdens het hoogseizoen, zoals op feestdagen of in het weekend.

Deze excursie kunt u kosteloos annuleren tot: annuleringstijd voor aanvang van de reis. Bij annulering na: annulering na: annuleringstijd of niet aanwezig zijn op de excursie wordt de volledige prijs van de activiteit alsnog in rekening gebracht. Te laat komen bij het ophalen of vertrekken wordt beschouwd als niet komen opdagen.