AWESOME TOURS
Experience the spiritual heart of Mount Koya on an intimate, 1.5-hour shared walking tour of Okunoin. Led by the founder of the Okunoin Night Tour and a 15-year resident professional, this experience is strictly limited to 10 guests to ensure a high-quality, personal atmosphere. While the popular Night Tour often hosts 20+ participants, this morning tour offers a quiet, deep dive into the sanctuary, timed perfectly to witness the "Shojin-ku"—the sacred 1,200-year-old meal offering ritual.
Options
Okunoin Morning Group Tour
The Highlight
Limited to 10 Guests: Unlike the Night Tour (often 20+ people), this tour is restricted to a small group to ensure an intimate and high-quality experience with your Master Guide.
The Sacred Meal Ritual at Gokusho: Our 9:45 AM start ensures we arrive at the Gokusho (Offering Hall) in time for the Shojin-ku, the ancient daily ritual of offering meals to Kobo Daishi.
Complete the Okunoin Map: The Night Tour typically focuses on the path from Ichinohashi. This tour covers the Nakanohashi route. By joining both, you will have explored the entirety of the Okunoin cemetery.
Expertise of the Night Tour Founder: Gain insights from the creator of the evening experience, revealing the daytime secrets and historical contexts of the sacred forest.
Former Temple Insider: Learn from a former Head of Temple Office Operations who offers authentic knowledge of temple life.
The Experience
This 90-minute walk provides a deep, focused exploration of Okunoin's most sacred inner grounds.
Nakanohashi Entrance: We meet at 9:45 AM at the Nakanohashi area. As a resident expert, your guide will lead you through the modern and ancient monuments, decoding the esoteric symbols of Shingon Buddhism.
The Ritual (Shojin-ku) at Gokusho: We time our journey to arrive at the Gokusho (Offering Hall) for the sacred meal offering. Witnessing the monks carry the boxes of food is a powerful, living display of faith that has continued for over a millennium.
Intimate Dialogue: With a maximum of only 10 participants, you have the rare opportunity to ask questions and engage in a meaningful dialogue with a National Licensed Professional who has dedicated 15 years to this mountain.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Okunoin Morning Group 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
Solo Travelers: Single participants can join by paying the fee for 2 people.
Minimum Participants: A minimum of 2 participants is required.
Meeting Point: In front of the public restrooms next to the Okunoin-mae bus stop. Ending Point: The tour ends at the Gokusho (Offering Hall).
Logistics: No pickup or transportation is included.
Important Booking Information
Punctuality & No-Wait Policy: Since we must arrive at the Gokusho by a specific time for the ritual, we cannot wait for late arrivals. No refunds are given for late arrivals.
A Different Experience from the Night Tour: This morning tour is designed as a premium, small-group alternative (Max 10) to provide a deeper and more personal connection to the site.
Complete Your Journey: If you have seen the Night Tour path from Ichinohashi, this Nakanohashi route is the perfect "missing piece" to complete your exploration of the entire sanctuary.
Professional Standards: Led by a National Licensed Guide who studied in the United Kingdom. We provide real-time, professional local information—not a hobbyist perspective.
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)