Private tour in Koyasan Hiroyuki T

Mt. Koya, Sacred Site for Esoteric Buddhism

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Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Hiroyuki T.

5.0

Guide rating

1

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Tours delivered

15 hrs

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Hi, thank you very much for finding me! My name is Hiroyuki. I am a national licensed guide. I am new to ToursByLocals but I have a lot of experience in different platforms. I got the license in 2012. I worked for a prefectural government for a long time before I retired seven years ago. I had been in charge of cultural heritage management and international affairs. As the director of the Cultural Heritage Management Division, I was responsible to preserve the cultural heritage like Shinto Shrine, Buddhism Temple, traditional festivals and others. I have a lot of knowledge not only on cultural heritage but also on culture, history and religions. I will give you a very good explanation on these fields. As the director general of the International Division, I was responsible for the international interactions. We had a close relationship with the State of Florida, the State of Galicia and others. We also had a close relationship with embassies in Tokyo. I had guided many of the ambassadors as well. I do guiding service in Kyoto, Osaka, Mt. Koya and other areas in Kansai. Kyoto had been a capital of Japan for more than 1000 years. It is a city blessed with a long history and rich culture. I always recommend my clients to visit at least one of the Shinto Shrines, one of the Buddhism Temples and two type of gardens, Pure land garden and Zen Garden to understand the profundity of Kyoto. Osaka has things that Kyoto does not have. Many of my clients visit Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji temple which is one of the oldest temples in Japan and Dotombori which is just like a mixture of the Time Square in NYC and Champs-Elysees in Paris. Mt. Koya is very special. This is located on a mountain top basin of 800m high. It is a sacred site for Esoteric Buddhism which has a lot of influence on Japanese religious culture. There are 117 temples centered by the main temple. This place was established in the 9th century to study Esoteric Buddhism. ・Experienced as a tour guide for 7 years ・Worked for a prefectural government and had been in charge of cultural heritage management and international affairs. ・I use public transportation but I can use a taxi or arrange a car upon requests. ・I do tours anywhere in Japan upon requests.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Hiroyuki T.

Overview of your Koyasan tour

Mt. Koya which was established in 816 by the high priest Kukai who introduced Esoteric Buddhism to Japan is located on a mountain top basin of 800m high. There are 117 temples centered by the Main Temple Kongobuji. Kukai tried to build a dojo to practice Esoteric Buddhism there. He built the Temple Complex to express the world of Buddhas. In the center is the Fundamental Pagoda which symbolizes the main Buddha of Esoteric Buddhism. It is surrounded by many halls and pagodas that symbolize the other Buddhas. It is a three-dimensional Mandala. At the end of the mountain top basin is the holy cemetery. People believe Kukai is still alive in his chamber meditating to save people. There are 200,00-400,00 stone pagodas, tomb stones and other monuments that were built by faithful people including many historical Warlords. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. I worked for a prefectural government and I had been in charge of this. I can give a deep insight of this sacred site.

Your Koyasan tour itinerary

We will visit the following places in Koyasan; Daimon Main Gate Temple Complex (JPY500) Kongobuji Temple (Honzan) (exterior) Okunoin (Holy Cemetery) Fire Ritual *If you would like to take part in a fire ritual, let me know in advance(free). *We will have lunch during the tour. If you prefer the famous Mt. Koya vegetarian dishes (from JPY3000), let me know in advance.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Bus

This is a public transportation and walking tour.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Other
Food Drinks Snacks
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Meeting location

Koya, Wakayama, 648-0211, Japan

At Koyasan station or at a temple

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Religious Sites
Architecture
History
Tour reference number
1447466
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Koyasan best suited for?

This private tour in Koyasan is ideal for travellers interested in exploring the sacred site of Esoteric Buddhism with a knowledgeable guide. It's perfect for those who want to delve into the history and spiritual significance of Mt. Koya, especially with insights from Hiroyuki T., who has extensive experience with the site. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Koyasan be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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