Morning Visit to Okunoin:
Join a tour for a serene morning visit to Okunoin, the resting place of Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, after checking out from your lodging.
Your English-Speaking Guides:
- Licensed guides residing in Koyasan
- Ordained at a local temple
- Experience living in a temple on Mt. Koya
- Guides are men aged 20-40, attired in traditional Samue work clothing
Exclusive Experiences:
- Shojingu Ritual: Witness monks preparing a meal for Kobo Daishi. Note: The tour starts at 9:45 AM to observe this unique ritual.
Key Sites on the Tour:
- Gobyo: The site where Kobo Daishi is believed to continue his meditation to this day.
- An 850-year-old sacred tree
- Okunoin’s largest tombstone
- Samurai graves, including those of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- The monument of Matsuo Basho
- Torodo: A breathtaking lantern hall with over 20,000 lanterns
- Senryo: Memorial tombs for the imperial family’s teeth and nails
- Torodo’s Basement: A close encounter with Kukai and 50,000 donated statues
Additional Topics Discussed:
- Kobo Daishi (Kukai): Founder of Koyasan
- Shingon Esoteric Buddhism teachings
- Cemetery legends and monk lifestyles
- Koyasan’s history
Feel free to ask any questions during the tour.
Tour Details:
- Departure: Daily (subject to weather conditions and advance reservation)
- Fees: Adults: ¥7,800 (12+ years), Children: ¥3,000 (6-11 years) Note: Capacity limits may prevent non-reserved participants from joining.
- Minimum Group Size: 3 participants
- Maximum Group Size: 12 participants
Photography:
Participants desiring to photograph at their leisure are advised to explore independently, as this is a group tour.
Accessibility:
The path includes steps and uneven terrain, making it challenging for strollers and wheelchairs.
Weather-Related Information:
- Cancellation Notifications:
- If the tour is canceled due to bad weather, we will inform you by 9:00 AM via the email provided at booking. A full refund will be processed online. If no notification is received, the tour will proceed as scheduled.
- Dress Appropriately:
- In case of rain or snow, please wear suitable clothing, footwear, and rain gear. Umbrellas are not provided.
Tour Experience During Rain:
- The sound of the guide may be muffled by rain on umbrellas.
- Visibility may be obstructed by other participants’ umbrellas.
- Expect wet clothing and footwear.
- Beware of slippery cobblestones.
- Tours take place outdoors and may be less comfortable than in clear weather.
Clothing and Footwear Recommendations:
- The temperature can be about 7°C lower than in the plains. Dress warmly, especially during seasonal transitions.
- Wear boots in wet conditions.
Walk-In Participation:
- Limited capacity means walk-ins are not always be accommodated, particularly on Saturdays and pre-holiday days from March to November. Early booking is advised.
Cancellation Policy:
- Same-Day Cancellation: 100% of the tour fee
- 1-2 Days Prior: 80% of the tour fee
- 3-7 Days Prior: 30% of the tour fee
- 8+ Days Prior: No cancellation fee
- Note: In case of tour cancellation due to severe weather warnings, a full refund will be issued without a cancellation fee.
Contact Information:
- Email: info@awesome-tours.com
