The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary from Kyoto to Koyasan: Experience Japan's Sacred Mountain (Complete Transportation Guide & Must-Visit Temples)
The Kansai area, located in western Japan, has flourished since ancient times as the center of Japanese history. From the "Heian era" when the capital was moved to Kyoto in 794, Kyoto became the center of Japan. In such Kyoto, many shrines and temples built in ancient times remain, and it is still a city that plays a central role among Japanese temples today.
Speaking of the center of Japanese temples, Koyasan in Wakayama prefecture is also mentioned. This religious city located in the mountains has recently gained popularity among foreign tourists. This time, we will carefully select and introduce the tourist destinations you should visit to fully enjoy Koyasan in one day.
How to Get to Koyasan from Kyoto?
Bus access from Kyoto to Koyasan is convenient. Every year from spring to autumn, direct buses operate from Kyoto station to Koyasan, so let's use those. You can access Koyasan in about 160 minutes without transfers, making this the most recommended method.
Kyoto – Koyasan Direct Highway Bus
- Fee: 2,500～2,800 yen
- Website: https://japanbusonline.com/en/DestinationSearch/7
- Reservations are required, so be sure to make a reservation before going!
For those outside the operating period or who want to sightsee in Osaka along the way, rental cars or trains are also recommended for access. When using trains, several transfers are required, but you can access from Kyoto to Koyasan in about 150 minutes.
The Charm of Koyasan
"Koyasan" is a temple opened in 816 by "Kobo daishi Kukai," who was active during the Heian era. This religious city was built in a mountain basin at an elevation of about 800m and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
While you can feel a spiritual atmosphere completely removed from daily life at Koyasan, within it there are 117 temples, as well as schools, hospitals, and restaurants where people live, creating a worldview that cannot be experienced on the ground.
The spiritual atmosphere of Okunoin, staying overnight at temples called "syukubo," and Buddhist training are attractive points of Koyasan where you can experience things far removed from daily life. Please read this article and discover the charm of Koyasan, which has over 1,200 years of history.
Route Overview of One-day Itinerary from Kyoto to Koyasan
Since you're visiting Kansai, why not experience a journey to Koyasan with over 1,200 years of history? This time, we'll introduce a plan to fully enjoy Koyasan in one day, departing from Kyoto at 8:00 AM.
While there are 117 temples in Koyasan, this time we'll carefully select and introduce essential spots for Koyasan tourism, including "Kongobu-ji," the central temple of Koyasan, and "Okunoin," the sacred ground where "Kobodaishi," the founder of Koyasan, rests. We'll also introduce surrounding tourist spots deeply connected to Koyasan and lunch spots recommended by gourmet me. Please make use of this for creating your Koyasan tourism plan!
One-day Itinerary to Enjoy Koyasan's Historical Tourist Sites and Traditions
8:00 AM: Depart from Kyoto
Your journey to Koyasan begins. Those who have reserved shuttle buses must arrive at the boarding point by the scheduled time. For those staying in places far from Kyoto station, it's recommended to schedule with about 30 minutes of buffer time to prepare for transportation delays.
While there are toilets on buses from hotels and on trains, it's recommended to use the toilets inside the station beforehand. Since it's about a 150-minute journey, purchase water at convenience stores or vending machines inside the station to stay hydrated during the trip.
Buses and trains are air-conditioned, so having something to put on is convenient. Also, since many shops around Koyasan don't support cashless payments, be sure to bring cash.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Gokurakubashi Station
Source:Wikipedia
"Gokurakubashi station" is the cable car station that connects the sacred realm of Koyasan with the ground. Those accessing from Kyoto to Koyasan by train will definitely pass through this station, so enjoy sightseeing around the station area.
The ceiling of Koyasan station depicts birds of paradise and other animals familiar to Koyasan, as well as auspicious animals. Looking at the beautiful ceiling further elevates your feelings as you head toward the sacred realm of Koyasan.
Around the station, there is Gokurakubashi bridge, which is the origin of the station's name, so let's visit this as well before going. The beautiful vermillion bridge is also said to be a barrier that separates this world from the sacred realm.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan Nishigo
- Operating hours: Always open
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 050-3090-2608
- Official website: https://niutsuhime.or.jp/
11:00AM: Exploring Koyasan's Tourist Attractions
Kongo Sammai-in
"Kongo Sammai-in" is a temple founded in 1211 by "Hojo Masako," the wife of Kamakura era shogun "Minamoto no Yoritomo," to honor her deceased husband. The principal image "Aizen Myoo" is said to be a testament to the love between Yoritomo and Masako, and is believed to bring blessings for romantic fulfillment, marriage, and family harmony.
Since Kongo Sammai-in is located slightly away from the center of Koyasan, it has escaped numerous disasters and fires, with ancient structures remaining in their original form. Among them, the "Tahoto" pagoda built in 1223 is the oldest structure existing in Koyasan. This historic Tahoto, harmonizing beautifully with nature, is definitely one of the spots you'll want to visit.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 425
- Operating Hours: 8:00～17:00
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 0736-56-3838
- Admission Fee: 300 yen
- Official Website: https://www.kongosanmaiin.or.jp/en/home
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
"Koyasan Reihokan Museum" is a treasure house that stores cultural properties collected from 117 temples in Koyasan, centered around Kongobu-ji. Housing over 100,000 items from paintings to sculptures and archaeological artifacts, you can witness the romance of 1,700 years of history. Among the collections, 23 items are designated as national treasures and 193 items as important cultural properties. Many of these national treasures and important cultural properties can be viewed on rotation in special exhibitions.
The highlight of the permanent exhibition is the numerous Buddhist statues created 1,000-1,500 years ago. From these solemn Buddhist statues, you can feel the religious devotion of that time and the beauty of Buddhist art. The sophisticated sculptural techniques are a must-see.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 306
- Operating Hours: 9:00～17:00
- Closed: New Year holidays
- Phone: 0736-56-2029
- Admission Fee: 1,300 yen
- Official Website: https://www.reihokan.or.jp/en/index.html
12:00PM: Enjoying Koyasan's Famous Shojin Cuisine and Local Dishes
Koyasan has many famous restaurants where you can enjoy "shojin ryori" (cuisine that doesn't use meat from fish or animals) and local dishes unique to Koyasan. Healthy shojin ryori is also recommended for health-conscious people.
Here we'll introduce four recommended restaurants for lunch in Koyasan.
Chuoshokudo Sanbo
Source:Tabelog
Chuoshokudo Sanbo is a dining hall where you can enjoy shojin ryori at reasonable prices. Shojin ryori doesn't use meat or fish. Instead, as a protein source, it uses soybeans and "fu" (wheat gluten), a bran rich in gluten.
"Dengaku," which is fried fu eaten with sweet miso, is one of my favorite dishes and definitely a shojin ryori dish you should try. The "Awa-fu Dengaku bento" is a recommended menu that lets you luxuriously enjoy substantial shojin ryori foods like dengaku and tempura.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 722
- Operating Hours: 11:00～16:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0736-56-2345
- Official Website: No official website
Hanabishi
Source:Official website
"Hanabishi" is a restaurant where you can taste local cuisine around Koyasan, including shojin cuisine. They focus on local ingredients and use high-quality materials to offer exquisite dishes.
My recommendation is the seasonal dishes that change content according to the season. You can fully taste the seasonal charm of Koyasan. At Hanabishi, dishes are served in "Gozan style," where you can enjoy many items including fried foods and stews. The photogenic dishes luxuriously let you enjoy both visual beauty and delicious taste.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 769
- Operating Hours: 11:00～18:00 (Winter: 11:00～17:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0736-56-2236
- Official Website: https://www.hanabishi-web.jp/en/
Kadohama Goma-tofu Honpo
Source:Tabelog
"Kadohama Goma-tofu honpo" is a specialty store for "goma-tofu" made with sesame instead of soybeans. The delicate taste of sweet and rich goma-tofu is one of the flavors you can only experience in Japan. My recommended lunch menu is "Taizo Kaiseki," where nine types of tofu and goma-tofu cooked in various styles are served in small dishes. You can fully enjoy the charm of goma-tofu.
Besides tofu dishes, they also have substantial noodle dishes and cafe menu items that you can enjoy casually. This restaurant is also recommended for cafe use when you're tired from exploring.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 230
- Operating Hours: 10:30～17:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 0736-26-8700
- Official Website: https://www.gomatohu.com/kadohamagomatofu.html
Tsukumo
Source:Tabelog
"Tsukumo" is a restaurant where you can taste "kamameshi," rice cooked in traditional Japanese iron pots. The charm of kamameshi is the fluffy rice infused with the umami of the ingredients. The taste of rice infused with the umami of meat and fish is exquisite.
Besides kamameshi, you can also eat noodle dishes that you can enjoy quickly and "don" (dishes with seasoned meat or eggs on top of rice), so this restaurant is also recommended for those who want to have lunch speedily.
On the other hand, kamameshi takes about 20 minutes to serve since it's cooked after ordering. Consider the time when deciding which menu to order.
Basic Information:
- Address: Wakayama Prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 243
- Operating Hours: 10:30～16:00
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone: 0736-56-2212
- Official Website: No official website
For those who want to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, we recommend participating in the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" hosted by Magical trip. Kyoto, with over 1000 years of history, has many restaurants where you can enjoy high-level traditional Japanese cuisine. This tour takes you to 3 restaurants and bars in Gion and Ponto-cho with a local guide who is knowledgeable about cuisine and local culture.
Gion is a popular area where even locals find it difficult to secure restaurant reservations, but by participating in the tour, you can definitely enter the restaurants. Gion and Ponto-cho are areas where you can feel the Japanese atmosphere, so please enjoy food hopping while enjoying strolling.
- Meeting point: Gion, Ponto-cho
- Tour area: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue
- Start time: 17:00 / 18:00
1:00 PM: Explore Kongobu-ji, the Symbol of Koyasan
In the afternoon, let's visit Kongobu-ji, which is essential for Koyasan tourism. If you follow the order introduced here, you can explore smoothly. For those who want to experience the Buddhist ritual called "Jukai," we recommend purchasing a common ticket (2500 yen) that includes all entrance fees for the facilities introduced here.
Kongobu-ji
Kongobu-ji was founded in 816 by "Kobo daishi Kukai" who opened Koyasan. There are currently 117 temples within Koyasan, and this serves as the main hall that unites all these temples.
The current Kongobu-ji was rebuilt in 1593 by the Busho "Toyotomi Hideyoshi" who was active in Osaka during the Sengoku era, and merged with an adjacent temple in 1860. While it's a solemn space, it features a beautiful Japanese garden spanning 2304㎡ where you can feel both beauty and dignity.
At Kongobu-ji, various training experiences are conducted, including the ritual "Jukai" where you receive teachings from Buddha. Since you've come to Koyasan, please participate in the training and experience Buddhist traditions.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 132
- Business hours: 8:30～17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-56-2011
- Entrance fee: 1000 yen
- Official website: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/en/
Tokugawa Clan Mausoleum
Source:Wikipedia
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The Tokugawa Clan Mausoleum is where "Tokugawa Ieyasu," the first Shogun of the "Edo era" that lasted over 250 years from 1603 after surviving the Sengoku era, and "Tokugawa Hidetada," the second Shogun, are enshrined. It was founded in 1643 by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.
From the buildings with detailed carvings throughout, you can capture the beauty and characteristics of "Edo era" architecture. Since it remains in the same form from when it was built, it's a must-see for those interested in traditional architecture.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 682
- Business hours: 9:00～16:30
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-56-2481
- Fee: 200 yen
- Official website: https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/spots/detail_1008.html
Danjo Garan
"Danjo garan" is also the birthplace of Koyasan. Kobo daishi, the founder of Koyasan, built it over 20 years starting in 817. It's a spot that plays an important role as the center of Koyasan's faith. The vermillion-painted "Konpon Daito" is the symbol of Koyasan, and this pagoda was the first pagoda built in Japan at this location. (The current pagoda was rebuilt in 1937)
"Taizo Dainichi Nyorai," the supreme deity who unifies the entire universe, is enshrined in Konpon daito. Bosatsu are depicted on the four pillars, creating a solemn and powerful atmosphere.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan
- Business hours: 8:30～17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-56-2011
- Entrance fee: 500 yen
- Official website: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran
Fudodo
"Fudodo" is a building located in the eastern part of Danjo garan. It was relocated and placed here in 1908. It's a very old building made during the late Kamakura era that lasted from 1185-1333, and is also registered as a national treasure. While Koyasan has experienced several fires and disasters to this day with traces of many buildings being lost, Fudodo escaped the fires and remains in almost unchanged condition from that time, making it a precious architectural structure.
Fudodo has an appearance like the residences of nobles from the Heian era that lasted from 794 until the beginning of the Kamakura era. Its purpose of use is still unknown today, making it a building that creates a mysterious atmosphere.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Koya-cho Koyasan 152
- Business hours: 8:30～17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-56-2011
- Entrance fee: 500 yen (included in Danjo garan)
- Official website: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html
3:00 PM: Visit "Okunoin," the Central Sacred Site of Koyasan
For the final destination of your one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Koyasan, let's head to Okunoin, where the Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, who is said to still be chanting sutras today, is located. Surrounded by large trees over 700 years old, Okunoin is enveloped in silence, allowing you to feel a more spiritual atmosphere. Here, we'll introduce the attractions of Okunoin.
Attractions Around Okunoin: The "Eternal Flame" That Has Been Burning for Over 1,000 Years
Source:Official website
The main highlight of Okunoin is the "Torodo" (Lantern Hall). Located at the innermost part of the forest path leading to Okunoin, it was built as an antechamber to Kobo Daishi's Mausoleum.
The ceiling of Torodo is adorned with brilliant lanterns creating a solemn space. Among these, two lanterns are said to have been burning continuously for over 1,000 years without ever being extinguished. This flame also serves as a symbol of the eternal life of Kobo Daishi, who continues to live forever at Koyasan.
Attractions Around Okunoin: Over 200,000 Gravestones and Memorial Monuments Lining the Approach
In the approximately 2-kilometer section from Ichinohashi Bridge, the entrance to Okunoin, to Torodo, about 200,000 memorial monuments, lanterns, and gravestones are lined up. These range from ancient ones over 1,000 years old to those built in recent years. These Buddhist monuments make you realize that strong faith continues to gather at Koyasan even today.
Attractions Around Okunoin: The Sacred Atmosphere Created by Cedar Groves Approximately 700 Years Old
At Okunoin, where trees over 700 years old grow abundantly, a more spiritual world unfolds. You'll particularly notice the air change when you cross the final bridge leading to Torodo, "Gobyo Bashi Bridge." The world beyond this point is said to be the spirit realm. This sacred atmosphere can only be experienced at Okunoin. Please fully experience the world of Koyasan with your own senses.
Beyond Gobyo Bashi Bridge is a sacred area where eating, drinking, and photography are prohibited. Please also remove your hat.
Departure Time (Optional): Depart for Kyoto
After enjoying sightseeing at Okunoin, let's depart for Kyoto. Especially for those returning by shuttle bus, the bus departure time from "Okunoin-mae" is 15:40, so make sure to board on time.
We recommend being at the bus stop by 15:30 with time to spare. There are plenty of souvenir shops around the bus stop area, so if you have extra time, shopping is also recommended.
If You Visit Koyasan, We Also Recommend Experiencing Unique Training Practices
If you come to Koyasan, we recommend experiencing training practices to taste an even deeper Buddhist worldview. This one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Koyasan can be enhanced with Buddhist experiences such as "Jukai" (precept-taking ceremony) available at Kongobu-ji, "Shakyou" (sutra copying) where you copy sutras called "Hannya Shingyo," and meditation - all of which are highlights of Koyasan tourism.
Additionally, Koyasan has over 50 facilities called "Shukubo" where you can stay overnight at temples. The quiet nighttime spent at a temple and the morning prayers can only be experienced by staying overnight.
There are also temples where you can taste Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), so if reading this article has made you feel attracted to the worldview of Koyasan, please definitely stay overnight and plan a trip of two or more days for sightseeing.
8 Recommended Tourist Destinations to Incorporate into Your Itinerary According to Your Preferences
For those who have flexibility in their schedule or are planning a tourism itinerary of 2 days or more, we will introduce recommended tourist destinations. Even when you descend from the mountains around Koyasan, there are many spots related to Koyasan that you should definitely visit together when you come to Koyasan. There are also sites related to Busho (military commanders) who were active during the Sendoku era and scenic spots, so please use this as a reference when planning your tourism itinerary according to your preferences.
Niutsuhime Shrine
Niutsuhime Shrine is a shrine located around Koyaguchi station, which is also the entrance to Koyasan. This beautiful shrine with its impressive vermillion worship hall has existed in this location for over 1,700 years. The enshrined deity, Niutsuhime no okami, is said to have granted the land of Koyasan when Kobo daishi opened Kongobuji temple on Koyasan.
Niutsuhime no okami is a goddess who protects against disasters and is also the guardian deity of Koyasan. This shrine has long been cherished as a place to visit before making a pilgrimage to Koyasan. Those with flexibility in their itinerary should definitely visit before their pilgrimage.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Katsuragi-cho Kamiamano 230
- Operating hours: 8:45～16:30
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-26-0102
- Official website: https://niutsuhime.or.jp/
Jison-in Temple
Jison-in temple was established as the gateway to Koyasan when Kobo daishi opened Koyasan. This temple was used as a place for winter training and lodging, but since women were not allowed to enter Koyasan at that time, Kobo daishi's mother resided at this temple.
Although it is more than 20km away from Koyasan and takes over 6 hours to walk, it is said that Kobo daishi visited Jison-in temple as many as 9 times a year to meet his mother.
Currently, it is cherished as a temple that brings blessings for fertility, safe childbirth, nursing, and child-rearing. This temple allows you to feel the warm love between Kobo daishi and his mother.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Kudoyama-cho Jisonin 832
- Operating hours: 8:00～17:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-54-2214
- Official website: https://jison-in.org/index.html
Koya Sankei-do Choishi-do Observatory
The mountain path from Jison-in temple to Koyasan is still loved by many climbers as a trekking course today. Although it's a challenging 22km journey, you can physically experience the path that Kobo-daishi also walked. As road markers on the way to Koyasan, stone pillars are installed every 108 meters along the route, and all pillars are inscribed with characters called "Bonji" used in Buddhism.
About an hour's walk from Jison-in, there is an observatory installed. This observatory offers views of the Koyasan mountains and the townscape of Kudoyama. Even for those who find it difficult to walk all the way to Koyasan, the observatory can be accessed in about an hour, so why not try walking in the footsteps of Kobo daishi?
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Ito-gun Kudoyama-cho Jisonin
- Operating hours: Always open
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-54-2019 (Kudoyama Town Industrial Promotion Division)
- Official website: https://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/spots/detail_3359.html
Marutaka Inari Shrine
Source:Hashimoto City
Marutaka Inari shrine is impressive with its 85 consecutively lined Torii gates. These consecutively lined torii, which can also be seen at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari shrine, are dedicated by people whose wishes have been granted at the shrine or by faithful believers.
Torii are barriers that separate the sacred realm of shrines from the world where humans live. When passing through the torii, you can experience a spiritual worldview that is far removed from daily life.
It is also famous for Cherry blossoms, and beautiful Cherry blossoms bloom in full glory in April. This is a spot that those touring Koyasan in spring should definitely include in their itinerary.
Basic Information
- Address: Wakayama prefecture Hashimoto city Kinohikaridai 1
- Operating hours: Always open
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 0736-32-0188
- Official website: https://www.city.hashimoto.lg.jp/hashimototaikan/asobu/midokoro/hashiphotospot/marutakainari.html
Tamagawa Gorge
For those who want an even deeper natural experience around Koyasan, "Tamagawa Gorge" is highly recommended. This valley features rocks and lush trees that embody the essence of Japan, with a mountain stream flowing through it. The river is home to Sweet fish and Amago salmon, which can only survive in pristine waters, allowing you to experience the beauty of Koyasan's water and nature firsthand.
This spot showcases different seasonal beauty - fireflies in early summer and autumn foliage in fall. For visitors to Koyasan who are captivated by Japan's natural charm, this is definitely a spot you'll want to include in your itinerary.
<Basic Information>
- Address: Around Kitayadori, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Operating Hours: Always open
- Closed: None
- Phone: 0736-33-6106 (Hashimoto City Promotion Division)
- Official Website: https://www.city.hashimoto.lg.jp/hashimototaikan/asobu/midokoro/1534118156685.html
Kudoyama Sanada Museum
Source:Google Maps
The "Kudoyama Sanada Museum" is a museum displaying exhibits about the "Sanada Clan," Busho (military commanders) who were active during the Sengoku era of the 1500s-1600s. The Sanada Clan were excellent strategists who survived the Sengoku era and twice cornered "Tokugawa Ieyasu," who established the "Edo era." For this reason, they were called "Japan's greatest warriors." This Sanada Clan spent 14 years in "Kudoyama."
Here, the traces of three generations of the Sanada Clan's lives and military records are displayed with videos and materials. The red armor that symbolizes the Sanada is truly impressive. Those who love the Sengoku era should definitely visit this destination on their day trip itinerary.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1452-4 Kudoyama, Kudoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (if a holiday, closed the following day), December 29 - January 3
- Phone: 0736-54-2727
- Admission Fee: 500 yen
- Official Website: https://www.kudoyama-kanko.jp/sanada/
Zenmyosho-in Temple (Sanada-an Hermitage)
Source:Wikipedia
"Zenmyosho-in Temple," affectionately known as "Sanada-an Hermitage," enshrines "Sanada Masayuki" as a deity - the man who helped the Sanada Clan grow into renowned "Sengoku Daimyo."
Before this temple was built, there was a residence where the Sanada Clan lived on this land. About 170 meters from the temple, there's a cave called "Sanada Kofun," which is said to connect to "Osaka-jo Castle." This temple, where you can feel the Sanada Clan's life in Kudoyama, is one of the spots you'll want to visit together with the Kudoyama Sanada Museum when planning your trip from Kyoto to Koyasan.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1413 Kudoyama, Kudoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone: 0736-54-2218
- Admission Fee: 200 yen
- Official Website: https://www.kudoyama-kanko.jp/midokoro/spot01.html
Natural Hot Spring Yunosato
Source:Yahoo! Travel
When it comes to the perfect spot to visit at the end of your Koyasan sightseeing adventure, it has to be a hot spring. This place is famous for its smooth spring water quality that warmly embraces your body, and it's so popular that many people travel from far away seeking this specific spring quality, not just locals.
This complex facility includes outdoor baths, saunas, restaurants, and spa services - it's the kind of spot that makes you want to stay longer. Since I always get so relaxed at hot springs that I don't want to leave, I recommend staying at the accommodation facility adjacent to the hot spring. Staying here and touring the sightseeing spots mentioned above the next day is also a recommended tourism plan for your one day trip itinerary.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 898 Konono, Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 0736-33-1126
- Fee: 1,100 yen
- Official Website: https://www.spa-yunosato.com/english/
A Kyoto Local Tour Especially Recommended for Koyasan Visitors: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
One spot I particularly want people who visit Koyasan to experience together is "Fushimi Inari Shrine." Fushimi Inari Shrine, impressive with its series of connected Torii gates, has become famous on social media and attracts many foreign tourists daily.
Magical Trip's "Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour" offers the chance to enjoy trails at Fushimi Inari by walking mountain paths that tourists rarely visit, accompanied by local guides who know the area well. Since it's a half-day trail, you can easily participate in the tour with just a backpack, sneakers, and clothing suitable for mountain paths. After the trail ends, you'll merge with Fushimi Inari's main street, so you can enjoy the typical sightseeing experience known from social media and other sources.
This tour is also recommended for those who want to experience a more spiritual worldview of Fushimi Inari, including natural bamboo forests and shrines in the mountains - perfect for enhancing your one day trip itinerary from Kyoto to Koyasan.
- Meeting Point: Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store
- Tour Area: Fushimi Inari
- Start Times: 9:00 / 10:00 / 13:00