Sacred Mt Koya 7 Days
Osaka, Mt Koya, Kyoto
| Duration | 6 nights and 7 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $1,025 per person (based on twin share) |
Mt Koya (Koyasan) is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, which is one of the most important sects of Buddhism in Japan. It was founded by Kobo Daishi in 805. To this day Mt Koya remains a spiritual retreat, one of Japan’s holiest places and the best place in Japan to spend a night in a Shukubo (temple lodging). Interact with the resident monks and enjoy ‘shojin-ryori’ meals of traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Osaka
Upon arrival in Osaka, explore the bustling, friendly, food-lovers city. Enjoy the panoramic city view from the floating observatory in Umeda district. Discover your favourite local street food in Dotonbori and don’t miss the impressive Osaka Castle.
Accommodation: Osaka – 1 night
Day 2: Osaka – Mt Koya
Make your way to the sacred Mt Koya, one of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan. Experience the majestic Okunoin and stay overnight in a temple lodging (Shukubo) with authentic Shojin-ryori – Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine for dinner and breakfast.
Accommodation: Mt Koya – 2 nights (2 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts)
Day 3: Mt Koya
Participate in Buddhist Morning Mass, then explore more of the holy Mt Koya at your own pace. Visit the Danjo Garan temple complex and Kongobuji Temple.
Day 4: Mt Koya – Kyoto
Trek through the Women Pilgrims Route and view the ruins of the ‘women’s halls’ built on the perimeter of Mt Koya. The tranquil mountain path provides an insight into the mind’s eye of the devout female pilgrims in an ancient time. Move on to Kyoto.
Accommodation: Kyoto – 3 nights
Day 5: Kyoto
Take a peaceful stroll around the beautiful, mystic Tadasu no Mori, 12 hectares of forest next to the sublime Shimogamo Jinja Shrine, a world heritage site. After exploring Shimogamo, make your way to its equally impressive sister shrine, Kamigamo.
Day 6: Kyoto – Amanohashidate – Kyoto
Take an excursion to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s ‘Three Most Scenic Places’. See the famous ‘bridge to heaven’ and explore the area by foot or by bicycle.
OR
Visit Enryakuji Temple complex at Mt Hiei, another of Japan’s Three Sacred Mountains. Explore Hieizan using cablecar, bus, and ropeway. See the Fumetsu-no-Hoto, an eternal Buddhist lamp, which has never gone out during 1,200 years at the Konpon-do Hall. Explore the Todo area, then visit Shaka-do Hall and Ninaido Hall in the Saito area and Yokawa Chu-do in the Yokawa area.
Day 7: Kyoto – Kansai/Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– Explore the spiritual Mt Koya
– Experience Shukubo, temple-logging
– Authentic Shojin-ryori, Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
Package Details:
| Duration | 6 nights and 7 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Osaka, Mt Koya, Kyoto |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $1,025 per person Triple share from $930 per person Single from $1,325 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in March, April, May, October and November) | |
Package inclusions:
– 4 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels, 2 nights in a Temple
・ 1 night in Osaka – Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda or similar
・ 2 nights in Mt Koya – Fukuchi-in, Henjoko-in or similar
・ 3 nights in Kyoto – Kyoto Tower Hotel, New Miyako Hotel or similar
– Meals
・ 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts in Mt Koya
– 2 x Kansai Area Pass 1-day
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
