Koyasan Must Visit Spots Self Guided Tour

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2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Koyasan has been one of Japan’s most important spiritual centers for over 1,200 years. This 21-stop self-guided audio tour takes you through its sacred sites, from the entrance at Daimon Gate to the forested paths of Okunoin.

Your guide is Hiroyuki, a local guide from Wakayama who shares the history, legends, and daily life of this unique mountain town directly on your phone.

Highlights include:

Daimon Gate, the traditional entrance to Koyasan with its imposing guardian statues
Danjō Garan, the sacred temple complex with key sites like Kondo Hall and Konpon Daitō Pagoda
The Three-Pronged Pine, linked to the legend of Koyasan’s founding
Kongōbu-ji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism with one of Japan’s largest rock gardens
Okunoin Cemetery, with over 200,000 memorial stones leading to Kōbō Daishi’s mausoleum

How it works:

Download the tour app (free, iOS and Android)
Follow the GPS map and listen as you walk
Pause, rewind, revisit anytime

No guide to wait for. No group to follow.

What's Included

Easy to use app
Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the Exploro app
Compatible with both iOS and Android
Local expert curated itinerary with hidden stories and highlights
Flexible: start, pause, or resume anytime at your own pace
Interactive map with GPS navigation, directions, and marked stops
Audio guide, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
In-person Guide

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Put on your earphones and start the tour from the app.

End point

This concludes my tour. Thank you very much. However, there are still many places to explore and dishes to try here on Koyasan, so please continue to enjoy your visit. I hope to see you again on another tour!

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    You will start playing the first stop of our tour at this location.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    This pine tree, enclosed by the fence, is connected to an important legend about the origins of Koyasan.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    The shrines are associated with another legend concerning Kōbō Daishi’s founding of Koyasan.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Originally, this hall was built as Kōbō Daishi’s personal Buddha hall.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5

    This building, designated as a National Treasure.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Founded in 1127.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    To visit efficiently, I recommend using the local bus or renting a bicycle.

    5 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Exploro - Dublin

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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