Walk Through a 1,200-Year-Old Sacred Site
with a Local Guide

・General/Domestic Travel Services Supervisor
・Chief Tour Conductor
・National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
・Koya-Kumano Special Zone Licensed Guide Interpreter (English)
・Kongobuji Temple Grounds Certified Guide

We can also arrange for French interpreters (tours can be conducted by a team of two: a guide and an interpreter).

Mount Koya is a sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism founded in 816 by Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai (774–835). In 2004, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” and was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
At the most sacred site, “Okunoin Gobyō,” it is believed that Kōbō Daishi continues to meditate (in a state of samadhi) even today, praying for the happiness of all people.

Is there no single peak called “Mount Kōya”?

In fact, there is no single mountain named “Mount Kōya” on any map. The entire mountain basin at an elevation of approximately 815 meters, surrounded by mountains reaching 1,000 meters in height, is collectively known as Koyasan.
With 117 temples densely packed into a flat area measuring about six kilometers east to west and three kilometers north to south, it is truly a “religious city in the sky.”

Koyasan Trivia: 
Of the population of just over 2,000, it is said that about 800 are monks. You might encounter a monk for every three or four people you pass on the street.

Abundant Nature and the “Six Trees of Koya”

Koyasan possesses a unique ecosystem (the Sohayaki region) where plants from warm and cold climates intermingle. In particular, the six types of trees essential for temple construction have been carefully preserved as the “Six Trees of Koya” (Koyarikuboku).

The Six Trees: Japanese cedar (Sugi), Japanese cypress (Hinoki), Japanese umbrella pine (Koyamaki), red pine (Akamatsu), Japanese fir (Momi), and Japanese hemlock (Tsuga)

Furthermore, curiously, rain that falls on Koyasan does not flow into the nearby Kii River, but instead flows through the Odogawa River to the distant Arita River. The terrain of Koyasan is also full of mystery.

Your journey begins with a “rail trip to the heavens.”

From Osaka (Namba):
Take the Nankai Electric Railway “Limited Express Koya” to Gokuraku-bashi Station (approx. 90 min) → Cable car (approx. 5 min) → Koyasan Station.

From Kansai Airport:
Take the Nankai Electric Railway via Tengachaya Station or “Namba Station to the Koya Line.

From Tokyo or Hiroshima:
Take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka → Take the subway to Namba → Take the Nankai Electric Railway.

From the Nara/Kyoto area:
Take the JR or Kintetsu Line to Hashimoto Station, then transfer to the Nankai Koya Line.

Limited Express Koya & Cable Car
The cable car from Gokuraku-bashi Station climbs the steep slope in one go. Feel the change in the atmosphere as you ascend.

Transportation within Koyasan (3 options)
To get from Koyasan Station to the town center, you must use the bus-only road.

Local Bus (Nankai Rinkan Bus):
Buses are waiting to depart as the cable car arrives. The ride to the town takes about 10 minutes. This is the most convenient way to visit major attractions.

Taxi:
There are no taxis cruising for passengers in town, so you’ll need to catch one at the station or major parking lots or request by phone.
Aritetsu Kanko Taxi: 0736-56-2634
Koyasan Taxi: 0736-56-2628

Rental Cars:
Nico Nico Rent-a-Car: Has a branch within Koyasan (one-way rentals not available).
Toyota Rent-a-Car: Has a branch near Hashimoto Station at the foot of the mountain (one-way rentals available).

Q. Is there a place to store large luggage (suitcases)?

A. Please note: Most coin lockers within the mountain area are not large enough to accommodate large suitcases.
[Solution] Go to the Station Office at Koyasan Station.
The station office, located immediately after exiting the ticket gates, offers temporary storage for about 500 yen per item. The best approach is to leave large luggage at the station rather than bringing it into the mountain area, allowing you to sightsee unencumbered.


Q. What about money, currency exchange, and ATMs?

A. ATMs (Cash Withdrawals)
ATMs are available at Nanto Bank, Kiyo Bank, post offices, and JA branches in the downtown area (around Senjuin Bridge).


Currency Exchange:
Kiyo Bank has a currency exchange machine (7:00 AM–9:00 PM). Supported currencies include the US dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, and 8 other major currencies.


Q. What are the etiquette rules for staying at a shukubo (temple lodging)?

A. A shukubo is a temple facility and also a place of practice for monks. Please observe the following three points:

Strictly observe schedules:
Curfews, bath times, and meal times are fixed. Be sure to confirm these upon check-in.

Maintain silence:
Many buildings have thin walls. Please be considerate of your neighbors regarding the volume of late-night conversations, TV noise, etc.

Check Before Taking Photos:
Photography is prohibited in many areas, such as inside the main hall and around Buddhist statues. Please be sure to obtain permission before taking any photos.


Q. Can I fly a drone?

A. It is generally prohibited. The entire Koyasan area is the private property of Kongobuji Temple. To protect cultural properties and ensure the safety of visitors, flying drones without permission is strictly prohibited.


Q. Are shukubo the only lodging options?

A. While the traditional shukubo experience is the main focus, there are other options available. In recent years, guesthouses such as “Koyasan Guest House KOKUU” have become popular, allowing you to choose an option that suits your travel style.