KOYASAN | Okunoin Morning Tour

【🌄 Okunoin Morning Tour】

— Discover Hidden Stories Beyond the Night Tour —
✨ Enjoy a Small-Group Experience (Max. 12 Participants) ✨

【⏰ Tour Overview】

• Departure: Daily (advance reservations required)

• Start Time: 9:45 AM

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

• End Time: Around 11:15 AM

• Meeting Point:

  • 🏁 9:45 AM at the public restroom in Nakanohashi parking, near the “Okunoin Mae” bus stop

• End Point:

  • ⚓ Okunoin Gokusho (around 11:15 AM)

• Highlights:

  • Explore key sites within Okunoin, including the Gobyo, Torodo (Lantern Hall), samurai graves, and more.

  • Small-Group Format for a more personal experience!

【✨ Tour Content】

• Morning Visit to Okunoin

  • A serene start to your day at the resting place of Kobo Daishi (Kukai).

  • Unlike the night tour, this daytime experience reveals unique rituals and historical details in the morning light.

• Hidden Stories & Locations

  • Shojingu Ritual: Witness monks preparing a meal for Kobo Daishi 🍚🙏

  • Key Sites:

    • Gobyo: Where Kobo Daishi is believed to remain in eternal meditation

    • 🌳 An 850-year-old sacred tree

    • The largest tombstone in Okunoin

    • Samurai graves (Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi) ⚔️

    • Monument of Matsuo Basho ✒️

    • Torodo (Lantern Hall) with 20,000+ lanterns

    • Senryo: Memorial tombs for the imperial family’s teeth & nails

    • Torodo Basement: Encounter Kukai and 50,000 donated statues

• Topics Discussed

  • Kobo Daishi (Kukai) & Shingon Esoteric Buddhism

  • Cemetery legends & monastic lifestyle

  • Koyasan’s history & culture

  • Interactive Q&A with your guide

【👨‍🏫 Guide Characteristics】

• Licensed English-speaking guides residing in Koyasan

• Ordained at local temples, experienced in temple life

• Men aged 20–40, wearing traditional samue attire

• Friendly, engaging, and open to questions

• Extensive experience in both day and night tours

【💴 Fees & Reservation Methods】

• Fees:

  • Adults (12+ years): ¥9,000

  • Children (6–11 years): ¥6,300

• Advance Reservations

  • Payments accepted by credit card or online methods 💳

• Same-Day / Walk-In Participation

  • Subject to availability; tours often sell out on weekends & holidays

  • We strongly recommend booking in advance

• Group Size

  • Minimum: 2 participants

  • Maximum: 12 participants (small group!)

【🎟 Participant Eligibility & Age Restrictions】

• Recommended Age: 6+ (children must be accompanied by an adult)

• Physical Fitness: Moderate (uneven paths, steps)

【👟 Clothing & Items to Bring】

• Recommended:

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Warm clothing (Koyasan is often ~7°C cooler than lowland areas)

  • ☔ Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jackets) for wet weather

• Avoid:

  • Slippery shoes or high heels that could lead to falls

【⚠️ Safety & Precautions】

• Path Conditions:

  • Steps & uneven terrain may make stroller/wheelchair use difficult

【🌧 Weather / Inclement Conditions】

• Tour Cancellation Decision

  • If canceled due to poor weather, we’ll email you by 9:00 AM, and provide a full refund

• If Tour Proceeds in Rain

  • ☂️ Wear waterproof gear, as umbrellas are not provided

  • Cobblestones can be slippery; proceed with caution

  • Rain may affect visibility & audibility

【❌ Cancellation Policy】

• Cancellation Fees:

  • Same-Day: 100% of tour fee

  • 1–2 Days Prior: 80%

  • 3–7 Days Prior: 30%

  • 8+ Days Prior: Free

• Severe Weather Exception

  • Full refund if a major weather warning (not just an advisory) is issued

【🌐 Available Languages】

• English-Led Tour

  • Licensed English-speaking guides

  • Discreet use of personal interpretation devices allowed (please minimize noise)

• Other Language Requests

  • If the tour cannot operate due to low bookings or staff issues, you will be informed and fully refunded

【🚫 Prohibitions / Cautions During the Tour】

• Silence & Manners

  • Okunoin is sacred—keep voices low & respect other visitors

• Photography

  • Photos are allowed, but if you wish to take many pictures, consider exploring on your own

【🚏 Post-Tour Information】

• Ending Time & Location

  • Concludes around 11:15 AM at Okunoin Gokusho

• Return / Transportation

  • Nearby buses and walking routes are available to get you back to your lodging or next destination

【☎️ Contact Information】

• Email: info@awesome-tours.com

  • (Phone number if applicable)

• Important Note

  • The meeting point (Nakanohashi parking / Okunoin Mae bus stop) is not a tour office; please direct any inquiries to our email.

☆ Important Booking Information ☆

1. Advance reservations are required.

2. Read all information carefully before booking.

3. Small-Group Tour: Maximum 12 participants.

4. If the tour is at capacity, non-reserved participants cannot be admitted.