WAKAYAMA AND KOYASAN FROM OSAKA OR KYOTO

You will be picked up at 9 am from your hotel lobby in either Ozaka or Kyoto (hotel must be within downtown area). After, we go straight to Mount Kōya by local train (public transport fee included) and bus from Kyoto or from Osaka with the tour guide. After 3–4 hours riding, we will be reaching the Spiritual Mountain. After lunch (not included) head to your Temple Lodge for check-in. Some temples in Japan, especially in popular pilgrimage destinations, offer temple lodges to visiting pilgrims and tourists. After settling in, let's stroll around Mount Kōya. Daimon Gate was originally built in the 11th century in Tsuzuraori Valley. This massive building, classified as "Important Cultural Property", was moved a century later to its current location marking the entrance to the city of Kobo Daishi (774-835), the monk founder. After sightseeing, return to your lodge and relax your mind. Dinner is provided on the first day (included). Your overnight room in Shukubo (temple’s room, Shukubo is not hotel, so there is no bed, but you will sleep on a Futon) might be twin sharing or single occupancy depends on temple’s arrangement. Dinner is provided on the first day (included). Overnight in Koyasan. Accommodation on a half-board basis at Henjoko-In Temple, or similar, as there are many other temples around the area. You will be informed on the specific temple lodge during the tour.

On this second and last day, you will have the chance to join a morning Buddhist routine. Guests of the temple lodge are also invited to participate in morning prayers which typically start around 6 am, last for about 30-45 minutes and are followed by breakfast at around 7 am. Some temples also hold meditation sessions in the late afternoon. After breakfast (included), you will have the opportunity to enjoy a Highlight Tour of Mount Kōya. Visiting Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan ("Garan" is the Japanese abbreviated form of the expression) and Reihoukan Museum where you'll be able to appreciate Buddhist sacred treasures. After lunch (not included), there are some restaurants and shops. In the afternoon, you will take the bus and local train with a guide back to your original city. The tour terminates upon arrival at Kyoto or Osaka's train station.