[Tour conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Osaka/Wakayama
Length of trip: Day trip
Transportation: Train
Meal conditions: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Available accommodation: None
Minimum number of participants: 18
Tour conductor: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) * No guide-interpreter will accompany
[Travel planning/implementation]
Company name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC.
Address: 1-9-6, Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Travel industry association: Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents
[Consignment sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 18 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Due to train arrangements, we can only accept reservations, and travel contracts will be concluded once our arrangements are complete (2-3 months prior to departure).
The seats for "Blue Symphony" are in three rows (two rows + one row), so even if you are in the same group, you may be seated far apart. However, if the seats are vertical, you can rotate the seats.
For the outbound journey, you will need to take the Nankai Express Train (unreserved seating) between Nankai Namba Station and Hashimoto Station (travel time: approximately 50 minutes). Please note that you may not be able to get a seat if the train is crowded.
Please note that the train departure and arrival times will be those designated by our company. As tours are arranged as a group, seats may be divided into front and back seats depending on the number of participants, the seat arrangement of the train, and seat availability. Thank you for your understanding.
Children aged 3 to 5 years old will be charged 8,000 yen per person for bus seating and Kintetsu Limited Express seating. Sky seats and meals are not included. If sky seats and meals are required, children's fares will apply.
A day trip to Mount Koya offers a profound journey into Japan's spiritual heart. Visitors experience a World Heritage site founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, featuring ancient temples, serene forests, and unique transportation like the Nankai sightseeing train "Tenkuu" and the Kintetsu limited express "Blue Symphony". It combines scenic travel with deep cultural immersion and tranquil exploration.
The journey to Mount Koya itself is an experience. You can take the Nankai sightseeing train "Tenkuu" from Hashimoto to Gokurakubashi, offering scenic views. From Gokurakubashi Station, a new cable car (operating since March 2019) ascends to Koyasan Station. For the return, the Kintetsu tourist express "Blue Symphony" provides a comfortable, high-quality travel experience.
At Mount Koya, two central areas are Okunoin and Danjogaran. Okunoin is a vast cemetery with over 200,000 gravestones, leading to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, offering a spiritual walk through ancient cedar forests. Danjogaran is the central monastic complex, featuring important temples like Konpon Daito Pagoda and Kondo Hall, where major ceremonies take place, showcasing rich Buddhist architecture.
After arriving at Koyasan Station via cable car, local bus services are the primary mode of transportation for exploring Mount Koya's extensive temple complexes and attractions. These buses connect Koyasan Station to key areas like Okunoin, Danjogaran, and the central village, making it convenient to navigate the sprawling World Heritage site. Walking is also a pleasant option for shorter distances.
Visitors to Mount Koya can delve into the history and practices of Shingon Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The site, recognized as a World Heritage location, offers insights into monastic life, ancient rituals, and spiritual traditions through its temples, cemeteries, and sacred sites like Okunoin. The peaceful atmosphere fosters reflection and a deeper understanding of Japanese spirituality.
The new cable car, which began operating in March 2019, is an integral part of the Mount Koya journey, connecting Gokurakubashi Station to Koyasan Station. It provides a smooth and scenic ascent up the mountain, offering panoramic views as it climbs. This modern infrastructure ensures efficient access to the World Heritage site while preserving the area's natural beauty.
During a visit to Mount Koya, a vegetarian lunch, often referred to as "shojin ryori," is a traditional and immersive experience. This Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is prepared without meat, fish, or strong flavors, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It reflects the ascetic practices of the monks and offers a healthy, flavorful meal that is deeply connected to the spiritual ethos of Mount Koya.
The Nankai sightseeing train "Tenkuu" significantly enhances the journey to Mount Koya by transforming travel into an experience. Running between Hashimoto and Gokurakubashi, this special train features large windows and observation decks, allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery and gorge views. It sets a picturesque tone for the spiritual destination, making the scenic ascent memorable.