AWESOME TOURS
Embark on a comprehensive journey through Okunoin, Japan's largest and most sacred cemetery, on this exclusive private walking tour. Unlike standard tours that only cover a fraction of the site, we traverse the entire 3km path from the traditional Ichinohashi entrance to the Nakanohashi exit. Led by a 15-year resident professional and the founder of the Okunoin Night Tour, you will discover the deep spiritual layers of this 1,200-year-old forest at your group's own pace.
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Okunoin Private Day Tour
The Highlight
Complete 3km Traverse: Walk the full length of the sacred approach, ensuring you see both the ancient moss-covered monuments and the historic landmarks missed by shorter tours.
Led by the Night Tour Founder: Gain insights from the creator of the famous evening experience, now revealing the daytime secrets and historical contexts of the forest.
Witness the Sacred Ritual: For tours starting at 9:30 AM, we will time our visit to witness the "Shojin-ku"—the daily ritual meal offering to Kobo Daishi.
Former Temple Insider: Learn from a veteran who served as the Head of Office Operations at a local temple, offering a rare look at the mountain's living traditions.
Flexible Private Tour: A personalized, professional experience led by a National Licensed Guide who studied in the United Kingdom. Perfect for families and groups of all sizes.
The Experience
This tour is the definitive way to experience Okunoin, covering the entire main sanctuary from end to end.
The Traditional Approach (Ichinohashi): We begin at the Ichinohashi, walking past 200,000 monuments. Your guide will share the legends of feudal lords and the esoteric symbolism hidden in the stone markers.
The Living Faith (Shojin-ku): With a 9:30 AM start, we arrive at the Mausoleum just in time for the Shojin-ku ritual, a millennia-old tradition of offering meals to the founder, Kobo Daishi Kukai.
Through the Forest to Nakanohashi: After visiting the Torodo (Lantern Hall) and the Mausoleum, we conclude our journey by exiting via Nakanohashi. This 3km walk provides a complete overview of the spiritual and historical evolution of Koyasan.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Okunoin Private Day Tour
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Pricing & Group Size: The displayed base fee covers a private group of up to 5 participants. For groups of 6 or more guests, please select the number of additional participants in the "Add-on" section on the following page to adjust the total price.
Walking Distance: This is a one-way walking tour of approximately 3km (1.8 miles). Please ensure all members of your group are comfortable walking this distance on paved but sometimes uneven paths.
Logistics: No pickup or transportation is included. The tour starts at Ichinohashi and ends at Nakanohashi.
Special Timing: To witness the Shojin-ku ritual, please select the 9:30 AM start time.
Guide Policy: If the lead guide is unavailable, the tour will be led by a veteran guide personally trained by him, holding at least a Kongobuji Temple-Certified Guide license.
Important Booking Information
Meeting Point: In front of the large map board near the Ichinohashi Bridge entrance (the traditional entrance to Okunoin).
Start Time: Please let us know your preferred start time between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
Comparison with Night Tour: This daytime walk complements the Night Tour perfectly. By walking the full 3km during the day, you see the intricate details and historical sites that are not visible or visited during the evening tour.
Professional Commitment: As a licensed travel agency and long-term resident, we provide authentic information rooted in the real-time life of the mountain—not a hobbyist's perspective.
Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The forest temperature is typically 3-5°C lower than the surrounding area.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 8 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 3 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel during 1 ~ 2 day(s) of departure, will charge 80%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)