Koyasan History Tour
The Danjo Garan, which forms the core of the sacred place of Koyasan, Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, and the Okunoin where Kukai is said to continue his eternal prayers. We offer safe private tours with certified guides that will take you to some of Japan’s best power spots, which are lined with national treasures and important cultural properties.
Koyasan Night Tour
A monk from Kongobuji Temple will guide you through the center of Koyasan, the Danjo Garan and the approach to the Okunoin. Why not experience with your five senses the magical atmosphere of Koyasan at night, which is different from the daytime? This is a recommended tour that is essential when staying at a lodging in Koyasan.
Tabi-Koya Story Tour with Professor Hiroyoshi Kinoshita
A historical tour led by Hiroyoshi Kinoshita, an expert on Koyasan, who served as a guide for the popular NHK program specializing on Koyasan. “Koyasan loved by warlords of the Sengoku period” (Okunoin – Rengejoin or Kodaiin) that travels around Koyasan, and “Koya-Sanroku Historical Story” (Ogoji Temple – Mukasoi Kannonji Temple – Sanada-an – Jisonin Temple and surrounding areas) set at the foot of Koyasan. We welcome you with two courses in the area.
Furemaizen Experience
If you want to enjoy Shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at a lodging in Koyasan, we recommend the Furemaizen experience. Furemaizen is a ritual used by monks to entertain guests with meals. The highlight is the beautiful manner in which the dishes are carried.
Every delicate gesture, down to the fingertips, has a special meaning. There is also a detailed explanation by a monk. Why not sample Shojin ryori while enjoying the hospitality unique to Koyasan?
Goma Prayer Experience
Goma Kito (Goma prayer) is a secret method of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism that was perfected by Kukai during the Heian period. By throwing goma-ki (goma wood) into the furnace of the gomadan set up in front of Fudo Myoo, you can strengthen the power of Fudo Myoo, purify your earthly desires, and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes.
Japanese Tea Ceremony/Flower Arrangement Experience
Would you like to experience the traditional Japanese culture of “Sado (tea ceremony)” and “Kado (flower arranging)” at Koyasan or Koya-Sanroku, which is the foothills of Koyasan? At Koyasan Shukubo lodging, you can experience a tea ceremony in a quiet atmosphere while looking out at the Japanese garden.In addition, at Koya-Sanroku, you can enjoy a combination of wearing a kimono and experiencing a tea ceremony or flower arrangement at a Kyoto-style townhouse that is a registered tangible cultural property of the country.
Koyasan Rosoku Matsuri (Candle Festival)
Rosoku Matsuri is held on the night of August 13th every year to commemorate ancestors at the sacred site of Koyasan. Candles are placed on both sides of the approximately 2km approach path from Ichinohashi Bridge to Okunoin to pray for the repose of the souls of our ancestors, the peace of our families, and world peace. This is an annual event at Koyasan, which is wrapped in the magical atmosphere of a midsummer night.
Niutsuhime-jinja Shinto Shrine Gagaku Performance and Kagura Dance Appreciation
Niutsuhime-jinja Shinto Shrine in Katsuragi Town, at Koya-Sanroku, is deeply connected to the origin of Kukai’s creation of Koyasan and is revered. It is also one of the constituent assets of the World Cultural Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains.” You can make a special visit to a miraculous shrine, hear from a priest, and watch a mysterious gagaku performance (Japanese imperial court music and dance).
Kishu Kudoyama Sanada Gun Corps Experience
Kudoyama Town at Koya-Sanroku is where the Sengoku period military commanders Masayuki Sanada and Nobushige, also known as Yukimura, were imprisoned and spent their time preparing for battle. In this town, there is a gun corps that dresses up as samurai of the Sanada army at the Kishu Kudoyama Sanada Festival, which is held every year. You can learn directly from the gun troupe how to use guns and the etiquette of stance, watch demonstrations and sword fights, and try on armor.
Sanada Kabuto (Helmet Used by Sanada Army) Making Experience
In Kudoyama Town, we also offers a workshop where you can learn how to make the helmets of the Sanada family, which is famous for its Rokumonsen family crest. When you put on the completed helmet, you will definitely feel like Yukimura. Would you like to experience the spirit of the samurai, which has transcended eras and is still rooted in Koya-Sanroku?