Koyasan Private Tour: Okunoin, Kongobuji Temple & Danjo Garan with a Temple-Certified Resident Guide & Former Head of Temple Office

My name is Nobu. I previously studied abroad in England and then traveled around the world to learn about different cultures. Since then, I have been living in Mt. Koya, a world heritage site, for 15 years (as of 2023). I had a ceremony to be ordained over 15 years ago and experienced life as a Buddhist practitioner at a temple on Mt. Koya. Many people from overseas stay at the temple in Koyasan. I lived in England as a foreigner, so I understand how foreigners feel when they come to Japan. When I lived at a temple on Mt. Koya, I had the opportunity to read sutras, clean the temple, and learn Buddhism directly from the monks. This life continued for several years, but as I was able to speak English, I began to work more often at the temple office as the head steward. I was also responsible for dealing with overseas travelers, negotiating with travel agencies, creating a website for travelers, and teaching meditation. There are many guides who are knowledgeable about cultural properties, but I lived inside the cultural properties with the monks, and my main job was dealing with customers from overseas. I'm from Kansai. There are many famous tourist destinations such as Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Koya, and Osaka. We are familiar with the transportation networks throughout the Kansai region, so we can guide you smoothly. Additionally, as I hold qualifications as a guide interpreter and a travel agent, I am well versed in Japanese culture in general, food culture, and religious culture. I am also familiar with Japan's unique nightlife and unique customs, which are not included in guidebooks. What I keep in mind when planning a trip is to incorporate seasonal elements into the itinerary and make it an enjoyable guide. I think it is important not only to see cultural properties, but also to actually experience them. In addition to seeing the temple, we can also organize special meditation experiences inside the temple. We can also suggest dining locations according to your wishes. If you want to relax, we offer a leisurely trip. For those who want to experience as much as possible in one day, we can also organize such trips. Please tell us what you would like to try in Koyasan/Kansai. We will propose content that meets your needs. ​ National interpreter guide (English) Wakayama Prefecture Special Zone Interpreter Guide Koyasan official guide Member of Koyasan Tourism Association Japan Travel Agency full member (Travel agency qualification) Management innovation company approved by Wakayama prefectural government None