Koyasan tours

The tour guide did his best in speaking English. They may want to find someone who can better communicate with all the foreign tourists on this trip. However, all the arrangements were very good and many of us were satisfied. Without a day tour, it seems difficult to go there on your own. This trip is a must if you really want to visit this sacred place.

The operator contacted us a day before, and the process was very organized. The only problem was that we did not realize the driver could only speak in Mandarin. I did not notice that when I was booking the tour, so that is something to be aware of. Other than that, it was a good experience.

Staff were professional, the guide at Koyasan was experienced! The stay at the shukubo was interesting. Quite spartan. Didn’t realise that the communal bathroom wasn’t open before the morning chant started so I had to wash my hair in the sink in the room toilet…😂

I'm very grateful to our guide, Hanazawa, for being willing to run the tour even with a small group! We departed from Osaka at 7:00 AM sharp, and the meeting point was clear and easy to find. The pace of the entire tour was perfectly managed. Hanazawa accompanied us throughout the journey, and was not only friendly and enthusiastic but also a great photographer, capturing the perfect angles so everyone could create lasting memories. He also carefully explained the origins of the names of the various Oji shrines, adding depth to the mountain trail. The route from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine was very accessible, with flat and easy paths along the way. The last stop was a local favorite foot spa, which soothed our tired feet after walking seven kilometers, bringing the trip to a perfect end. Overall, it was a fulfilling and therapeutic experience, and I highly recommend taking a day trip to the mountains when visiting Osaka!

Our tour guide was David and he was amazing!! Gave some insights and recommendations. We were lucky to see Mt. Fuji the whole trip and before we head back it started snowing which was an awesome experience.

Our tour guide Xi was nice, organised and gave good tips during the tour of where to go and what to try. His recommendations were spot on especially the egg pudding in Shiragawa. Get in early to get the original pudding to avoid disappointment. We managed to still get the coffee and custard and they were delicious! It snowed and was magical. Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear as sleet and water can get into your sneakers, otherwise we had the best day!

The Lingering Aftermath of a Pilgrimage to Mount Kōya The moment I left Mount Kōya, the tranquility of the mountains gently enveloped my heart like a soft cloth. After completing the pilgrimage, my body felt slightly weary, but my mind was surprisingly clear. The echoes of chanting in the temples and the rustling of leaves on the stone steps seemed to peel away the trivialities of everyday life, leaving only peace and gratitude. Walking Between History and Spirituality Visiting the graves of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu on Mount Kōya is not merely about chasing famous names, but about feeling their presence in Japanese history and the complexities of the human heart. Standing before their memorial, my thoughts drifted through time: the textures woven from war and unification, power and faith, appear both distant and real in this mountain forest bathed in Buddhist light. That feeling of examining one's personal destiny within the long river of history makes one more humble in the face of their own choices and journey. The Surprise of Hanabishi's Kōya Cuisine Among the dining experiences on Mount Kōya, Hanabishi's Kōya cuisine is an unforgettable taste memory. The dishes are based on fresh, local ingredients, with flavors that are delicate and unpretentious. They retain the natural sweetness of the ingredients while revealing the chef's attention to detail. Each side dish is like a short poem, gently telling the story of the changing seasons in the mountains. Hot soup and pickles bring warmth to the chill, making one feel that the meal is not just about filling one's stomach, but a ritual of hospitality. It's very delicious and worth recommending to travelers looking for authentic flavors on Mount Kōya. Great Satisfaction from Small Things The seemingly insignificant moments of the trip—the morning mist, a lamp in the temple, a brief conversation with a monk, a cup of hot tea in a teahouse—ultimately became the gentlest footnotes to the entire journey. Sharing experiences with companions in the evening, or sitting alone in the courtyard, reminiscing about the day's scenery, these simple moments make one feel that life can be slowed down and is worth savoring. Internal Echoes After the Trip Back in everyday life, the tranquility of Mount Kōya still emerges inadvertently. What it taught me was the ability to maintain emptiness in the midst of noise: to set aside time for contemplation in the midst of busyness, allowing thoughts to be sorted and responded to. Worshipping the three historical figures made me understand more about the intersection of history and personal destiny; the meal at Hanabishi reminded me that true deliciousness often comes from respect for the land and the present moment. Taking these feelings back, life seems to have become more weighty and warmer. Conclusion Mount Kōya is not a place to be ticked off a list, but an experience that can be savored repeatedly. Whether it's contemplating historical figures or tasting a carefully prepared meal, this trip teaches one to see the world with a gentler eye. If you are planning to go, remember to slow down and let the mountains, temples, and a good meal slowly bring you back to your most authentic self.

We highly recommend this service as it made getting around the different sites of Kyoto so very convenient. The important spots in Kyoto are a bit far apart so our van made things so much easier. Also, our driver, Mr. Wang, was very friendly and accommodating.