AWESOME TOURS

🌟 Why join this tour?
Local ordained guide — resident on Mt Kōya.

Three “must-see” zones in one half-day:

Okunoin Cemetery – Japan’s largest, mystical forest of 200 k tombs.
Kongobu-ji – head temple of Shingon Buddhism, home to Japan’s biggest rock garden.
Danjo Garan – the 1,200-year-old monastic core designed by Kōbō Daishi.

Dialog-style guiding: esoteric Buddhism, monk life, legends, history.

Easy pace; short taxi/bus hops only when needed.

🗓 Sample Itinerary (times adjust if you start later)
09:45 Meet at Nakanohashi parking (Okunoin-mae bus stop) Briefing
09:50-11:35 Okunoin Lantern Hall, Bodhisattva Stone, Kōbō Daishi Mausoleum
11:35-11:45 Taxi / bus to town centre 10 min
11:45-12:45 Kongobu-ji Banryūtei rock garden, Willow Room, kitchen, gold-leaf halls
12:45-12:55 Walk to Garan –
12:55-13:45 Danjo Garan Konpon Daitō pagoda, Kondō hall, Chūmon gate
13:45 Finish at Garan Chūmon gate Guide helps with taxi / lunch tips

Optional: add a 1-hour temple-café or shōjin-ryōri lunch (not included).

💴 Price (private group, up to 5 guests)
¥45,000

* Guiding service & planning only. Not included: admission fee, taxi/bus, meals, personal outlays.

ℹ️ Good to know

No tours 29–31 Dec (temples closed).

Wear comfy shoes;

Free extras: pocket Wi-Fi, taking photos, restaurant/taxi booking help.

full refund if weather forces closure.

✉️ Booking
Email info@awesome-tours.jp

【Okunoin Morning Tour ～Discover Hidden Stories Beyond the Night Tour🌄✨～】

Discover Okunoin with guides who’ve gained deep insights through our popular night tours—experience their knowledge in a quieter daytime setting.
Small-group format (up to 12) ensures a more personal atmosphere.


【Tour Overview】
Departure: Daily(advance reservations).
Start Time: 9:45 AM (Approx.1.5hrs).
End Time: ~11:15 AM.
Meeting Point: Nakanohashi parking (public restroom near “Okunoin Mae” bus stop) at 9:45 AM.
End Point: Okunoin Gokusho

【Tour Content】
A serene morning visit to Okunoin, resting place of Kobo Daishi(Kukai). Unlike the night tour, this daytime experience unveils unique rituals and historical details. Shojingu Ritual: Monks preparing a meal for Kobo Daishi🍚🙏.

Key Sites
→Gobyo(eternal meditation of Kobo Daishi),
850-year-old sacred tree🌳,
largest tombstone in Okunoin,
samurai graves(Oda Nobunaga & Toyotomi Hideyoshi⚔️),
monument of Matsuo Basho✒️,
Torodo(Lantern Hall)with 20,000+lanterns,
Senryo(imperial family tombs of teeth/nails),
Torodo Basement(Kukai & 50,000 statues)

【Guide Characteristics】
Licensed English-speaking guides in Koyasan,
ordained at local temples,
men aged 20–40 in samue attire,
experienced in both day & night tours, friendly & open to questions

【Fees & Reservation】
Adults(12+):¥9,000.
Children(6–11):¥6,300.
Advance booking required(credit card or online💳).

Walk-ins not guaranteed, especially weekends/holidays. Group Size→Min:2, Max:12

【Participant Eligibility】
Ages 6+ (children must be accompanied).
Moderate physical fitness suggested

【Clothing & Items】
👟Comfortable shoes,
warm clothing(Koyasan 7°C cooler),
☔rain gear if wet.

Avoid slippery/high-heeled shoes

【Safety】
Uneven paths & steps→strollers/wheelchairs difficult

【Weather】
If canceled by 9:00AM due to bad weather, full refund. If raining, bring waterproof gear(umbrellas not provided), slippery cobblestones, reduced visibility||

【Cancellation Policy】
Same-Day:100%,
1–2DaysPrior:80%,
3–7DaysPrior:30%,
8+DaysPrior:Free.

Severe weather warning→full refund

【Available Languages】
English-guided.

【Tour Etiquette】
Keep voices low(respect sacred space).
Photos allowed but if taking many, independent exploration is better

【Post-Tour Info】
Ends11:15 at Okunoin Gokusho. Nearby buses/walking routes for your next destination

【Contact】
Email: info@awesome-tours.com (Meeting location is not a tour office, inquiries via email)

☆Important Booking Info
☆ Reservations required, read all info before booking, capacity limits may exclude non-reserved guests.

(Daily │ 1–5 guests │ ¥22,000 per group)

🌟 Why book?
Local ordained guide, with experience working at a temple on Mt Kōya — sharing insider stories from daily life in Koyasan.

Two core sites in one easy stroll:

Kongobu-ji — head temple of Shingon & Japan’s largest rock garden.

Danjo Garan — the 9th-century monastic center created by Kōbō Daishi.

Perfect when you have limited time or have already visited Okunoin.

🗓 Sample Itinerary
Time Stop Key sights*
10:00 Meet at Kongobu-ji gate Welcome & temple etiquette
10:05-10:55 Kongobu-ji Banryūtei rock garden · Willow Room · historic kitchen · gold-leaf halls
10:55-11:00 Walk 5 min to Garan –
11:00-11:55 Danjo Garan Kondō Golden Hall · Konpon Daitō pagoda · Chūmon gate
11:55 Finish at Garan Chūmon Guide helps with onward tips

*Sequence may adjust if halls close for rituals/repairs. Afternoon starts possible (temple halls close ~16:30).

💴 Price (private group)
Guests Fee 6 + guests
1–5 ¥22,000 +¥500 pp

Includes guiding & planning. Not included: combo ticket ¥1,000 pp, personal taxi/bus (~¥600 pp if used).

🚶 Tour notes
Walking distance: ~0.8 km on level paving.

Runs daily except 29-31 Dec (temple closure).

Operates rain or shine (mostly covered corridors). Extreme weather ⇒ full refund.

Wear socks (temple interiors) and comfortable shoes.

📩 Booking
Email info@awesome-tours.jp with: name · group size · date · preferred start time · meeting point. Confirmation within 24 h.

🌐 Tour Overview
Tour Dates: Daily (advance reservations required)

Start Time: ⏰ 9:45 AM

Duration: ~3 hours

End Time: 🕒 Around 12:45 PM

Meeting Point:

📍 Public toilet at Nakanohashi parking lot, 9:45 AM

Nearest bus stop: “Okunoin-mae”

End Point:

🚗 Courtesy transportation within Koyasan by 12:45 PM

【Highlights】

Morning visit to Okunoin

Gentle 40-minute walk in a wildlife reserve

Scenic lunch with local bento cuisine ☕️

Rare plants, birdsong, and the serene Kii mountain range

【🌟 Tour Content】
Okunoin Visit

Begin at Okunoin—resting place of Kobo Daishi (Kukai)

Explore tombs of legendary samurai & historical figures

Different perspective from the “Okunoin Night Tour”

Forest Walk

Near-flat pilgrimage path (~40 mins)

Historically significant route once used by women barred from the main temple site

Perfect for a relaxed stroll—not strenuous

Scenic Lunch

Koyasan regional bento box + coffee

Chairs & table at a picturesque viewpoint (not inside Okunoin)

Panoramic views of the Kii mountains, including Mt. Omine

【👨‍🏫 Guide Characteristics】
Local, veteran guide with honed skills from night tours

Deep knowledge of Koyasan’s history, nature, & culture

Ensures a smooth, worry-free experience so you can travel light

【💴 Tour Price & Reservations】
Price

¥45,000 for 2 people

+¥22,500 per additional person (3 or more)

【Included】

Local guide (resident of Koyasan)

Bento box lunch & coffee ☕️

Transport within Koyasan after the tour

【Advance Reservations】

Payment by credit card or online methods

Tours fill quickly—please book early

🚶 Participant Eligibility & Requirements
Footwear

Wear shoes suitable for forest trails (may be muddy if it rained)

Trekking/boots recommended in wet conditions

【Physical Fitness】

Moderate fitness required—no severe knee/ankle issues

【Weather & Cancellations】

May be canceled in severe weather

Bring rain gear for sudden changes

【🎒 Clothing & Items to Bring】

Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire

Umbrella or rain jacket if rain is likely ☔️

Water bottle if desired

【Avoid】

High heels or slippery soles

【⚠️ Safety & Precautions】
Wildlife reserve setting—uneven or slippery terrain possible

Exercise caution when taking photos

【🌧 Weather / Inclement Conditions】
If heavy rain or storms are expected, the tour may be canceled

Participants will be notified promptly for any refunds or rescheduling

【❌ Cancellation Policy】
Please confirm at booking (e.g., same-day cancellations 100% fee, etc.)

【🌐 Available Languages】
English-Led Tour by a local guide

【🚫 Prohibitions / Cautions】
Keep voices low at Okunoin—sacred atmosphere

Photos are welcome, but watch your step while shooting

【🚌 Post-Tour Information】
End Time & Location

Finishes ~12:45 PM after lunch

Drop-off anywhere in Koyasan

Let us know if you have specific requests for drop-off

【☎️ Contact Information】
Email: info@awesome-tours.com

【Important Note】

The meeting point (Nakanohashi parking public toilet) is not a tour office; please contact us via email.

☆ Important Booking Information ☆
Advance reservations required.

Review all details carefully before booking.

Limited availability—reserve early on weekends/holidays.

Weather-related changes/cancellations may occur.

Exhibits of samurai armor and costumes at the Kudoyama Sanada Museum, which tells the story of Sanada Yukimura

. Venture off Koyasan to the historic village of Kudoyama, where legendary samurai Sanada Yukimura spent years in exile. A local guide brings to life the Sanada clan’s story as you explore Sanada-an (Yukimura’s hermitage) – a temple-turned-historic site – and the Kudoyama Sanada Museum, filled with armor, artifacts, and even NHK drama props related to the Sanada family

. You’ll also visit the Oishi Junkyo Memorial Hall (Old Kayano House), learning the inspiring tale of Oishi Junkyo, a one-armed nun who created art with a brush held in her mouth

. Mid-tour, savor authentic Shinano-style soba noodles at Soba-dokoro Yukimura-an, a renowned restaurant established by locals using Nagano-sourced buckwheat in honor of Yukimura

. This half-day journey blends samurai history and local flavors, with personal insights from your Koyasan guide in a comfortable private vehicle.



Sample Itinerary (English):
9:00 – Meet in Koyasan and depart by private vehicle (Toyota Alphard).
9:45 – Arrive in Kudoyama. Visit Sanada-an (Yukimura’s Hermitage) and hear about Yukimura’s life in exile (free entry; small museum room with artifacts, donation ¥200)
travel.gaijinpot.com
.
10:30 – Explore the Kudoyama Sanada Museum
visitwakayama.jp
with your guide. See samurai armor, weapons, and exhibits on Sanada Masayuki and Yukimura’s legacy (admission ¥500)

11:30 – Enjoy lunch at Yukimura-an soba restaurant
– try hand-made buckwheat noodles and tempura in a setting decorated with Sanada clan memorabilia (restaurant named after Yukimura).
12:30 – Visit the Oishi Junkyo Memorial Hall (Old Kayano House). Learn about Oishi Junkyo, a Meiji-era noblewoman-turned-nun who, after losing both arms, trained herself to paint and write using her mouth. The preserved house and her calligraphic works offer a touching story of resilience. (Admission ~¥300 donation.)
13:30 – Conclude the tour and depart Kudoyama.
14:15 – Arrive back at Koyasan (drop-off at your hotel) – or optionally, your guide can drop you at Kudoyama Station for onward travel by train.


Pricing & Notes (English):
Total Price Estimate (up to 5 guests): approx ¥75,000 (English guide). Does not include guest’s lunch or site fees. (e.g. Sanada Museum ¥500/adult, Oishi Junkyo Hall ¥300 donation).
Not Available: Mondays and Tuesdays (museums and restaurant are closed these days)

. The tour is offered Wed–Sun; also not offered during New Year holidays when sites are closed.

Transportation: Tour uses a company vehicle for transport to included sites only.
Guide & Language: Guided in English by a local Koyasan resident (Japanese guidance also available on request).
Group Size: Private tour for 1 to 5 guests. (Price is per tour, not per person.)
Reservations: Minimum 2 days advance booking recommended. Tour timing can be adjusted upon request.

⛩️【The main hall of Tateriko Shrine】
(also known as Tateri Kojin Shrine), tucked among cedar trees on Mt. Kōjin

🌄 Discover one of Japan’s “hidden shrines” deep in the mountains behind Koyasan.
This half-day tour takes you by winding mountain roads to Tateriko Shrine (officially Kōjin Shrine), a remote sacred site perched atop Mount Kōjin at 1,260 meters elevation.

🧙‍♂️Founded, according to legend, by Kobo Daishi in the 9th century,
Tateriko Shrine enshrines Sanbō-Kōjin, the deity of fire, hearth, and kitchen.

🔥 It is revered as one of Japan’s Three Great Kojin Shrines, and to this day local chefs and innkeepers pay homage here for protection.

🚶‍♂️Upon arrival, your guide will lead you through a tunnel-like path of countless wooden torii gates up to the shrine’s hilltop precinct.

🌲Surrounded by ancient cedars, the shrine’s architecture is modest yet exudes a powerful energy.
You’ll hear the story of how Kobo Daishi drew an image of the fire god here and established this shrine to guard the development of esoteric Buddhism.

☀️On clear mornings, the mountain offers spectacular views – sometimes even a mystical sea of clouds filling the valleys below.

🧘‍♀️This off-the-beaten-path experience reveals a seldom-seen side of Koyasan’s spiritual culture, where nature and devotion meet far from any crowds.

⚠️【Note】Due to the short uphill walk to the shrine, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or difficulty walking.

🗓️【Sample Itinerary (English)】

🕘 9:30 – Depart Koyasan by private vehicle, heading toward Nosegawa Village.
Enjoy a scenic drive through forested mountain roads (~45 min).

🕙 10:15 – Arrive at the Tateriko Shrine trailhead (parking area).
🚶‍♀️Begin a short walk up the path lined with torii gates
（The walk is a gentle uphill, ~5–10 minutes on foot.）

🕥 10:30 – Reach the hilltop Tateriko (Kōjin) Shrine.
Take in the atmosphere among tall cedar trees. Your guide will point out the shrine’s features:

Main prayer hall

Auxiliary shrines

Unique altars dedicated to the fire deity

🧎‍♂️Learn how pilgrims and locals have worshipped here for centuries, seeking protection for kitchens, hearth, and home.
Shrine prayer hall is open daily from 8:30 to 16:00, so you may go up to the offering hall to pay respects.

🕚 11:00 – Free time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
🌤️ On a clear day, you might see panoramic views or a sea of clouds in the valley below.
📸 Ask your guide to take photos of the torii tunnel or the group at the shrine.

🕦 11:30 – Begin descent down the torii-lined path to the vehicle.

🕛 12:00 – Depart by car, returning to Koyasan.

🕧 12:30 – Arrive back at Koyasan.
Your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the town center.
(Total tour time ~3 hours; afternoon free for other activities.)

💴【Pricing & Notes (English)】
🕓 Calculated for ~3 hours (including driving)
🎟️ No additional admission fees (⛩️shrine is free entry)

📅【Availability】
The shrine itself is open every day.
🧊Note: In winter, heavy snowfall or icy road conditions may cause the tour to be cancelled or rescheduled for safety.
(🚗Generally, the road is passable most of the year.)

🚙【Transportation】
Includes round-trip vehicle transport from Koyasan to Tateriko Shrine trailhead.
Note: Transportation provided only for the tour itinerary.

🥾【Activity Level】
Moderate – includes a short uphill walk (5–10 min) on a mountain path.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes.
🧥 The area is cooler than Koyasan; dress in layers.
⚠️ Not recommended for those with walking difficulties.

🗣️【Guide & Language】
Guided in English by a local expert
（Japanese guidance available）

👥【Group Size】
1–5 people（private tour only）

📞【Reservations】
Please reserve at least 1–2 days ahead.
⏰Time can be adjusted upon request.