AWESOME TOURS
Join us for a special pilgrimage after dinner to pay respects to Kobo Daishi Kukai.
This is a one-of-a-kind tour, walking through the serene silence of Koyasan's Okunoin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Operating nearly every night since 2011, we invite you to experience 1200 years of history on an unforgettable evening.
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Koyasan | Okunoin Night Tour
The Highlight
History & Trust The original and sole official night tour in Koyasan, operating since 2011. (Registered Trademark No. 5756374)
Deep Learning & Discovery Our certified resident guides share deep stories and the latest information about Koyasan—insights you won't find in any book.
Our Guides Your guide is a Koyasan resident with experience living in a temple, and will be dressed in traditional samue (a monk's work clothing).
Worry-Free Support Enjoy a complimentary pre-tour drink and free, guided assistance to a bus stop after the tour, ensuring you can navigate the night roads and make your temple's curfew with peace of mind.
An Authentic Pilgrimage An unforgettable experience as you walk the sacred path to the inner sanctuary where the great monk Kobo Daishi is said to be in eternal meditation.
The Experience
Enveloped in silence, the Okunoin at night is a sacred place with a mystical and solemn atmosphere, completely different from the daytime.
However, its true charm cannot be discovered by simply walking down a dark path. Our stories cover topics such as:
The life of Kobo Daishi "Kukai," the founder of Koyasan
The teachings of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
The history held within the countless tombstones
The mysterious legends of Okunoin
Daily life and seasonal information about Koyasan
As the sole night tour guiding visitors here since 2011, our expert guides will lead you on an intellectually moving and deeply memorable experience.
You might also encounter some local wildlife, like Japanese giant flying squirrels, owls or fireflies! 🌙 Guidance for the Day of the Tour
1. First, Please Check In at Reception
Here you will receive your "Tour Pass," which will have the final meeting time and location for that day's tour written on it.
Reception Location: AWESOME TOURS Reception Counter (inside the "TAIRA" Cafe & Souvenir Shop)
Reception Hours:
① 13:00 - 17:00 (with an early check-in benefit)
② 18:30 - 19:00 (Also available just before the tour)
2. Tour Departure
The tour will depart by around 19:00 to 19:15.
Please gather at the time and location written on your "Tour Pass."
The meeting point is very close to the reception, and our staff will be there to guide you, so please don't worry. Tour Details
Walking Distance: Approx. 3 km
Disbanding Point: Okunoin Gobyo (Inner Sanctuary), around 20:20
After the tour, for those who wish, the guide will lead you to a bus stop for the return trip to the center of Koyasan (bus fare is not required).
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- Please be sure to visit the reception desk at 'TAIRA' by 19:00 to pick up your tour pass. Please note that you are required to have this pass to join the tour.
- The night tour will start between 19:00 and 19:15 from the time and location written on your tour pass. Our expert guide will lead you on the approximately 2 km one-way path to the inner sanctuary of Kobo Daishi's Gobyo.
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Upon arrival, please tell our staff the name the reservation was made under.
Purchase Notice
Participants must be 6 years of age or older.
For safety reasons, participation is limited to those who are physically able to walk the approximately 3 km course on dark stone paths and stairs without assistance. We appreciate your understanding.
Participation with strollers or wheelchairs is not possible.
Comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) are mandatory.
For those who are not confident in their walking ability or in keeping pace with a group tour, we recommend our private daytime tour instead.
Participation in a yukata (Japanese summer robe) is not permitted.
Due to the temple's curfew, guests staying at Renge-in Temple cannot participate in this tour.
For any inquiries regarding the tour, please be sure to contact us directly at info@awesome-tours.com, and not the individual temples (shukubo) where you may be lodging.
Prices vary depending on the season and date.
Please note: The standard price for on-site payment (for bookings made via email or phone) starts from 6000 JPY per adult and 4000 JPY per child.
Important Booking Information
Please remember that Okunoin is a sacred place of worship. We ask for your cooperation in maintaining the tranquil atmosphere by keeping voices low.
For the safety of all guests and to preserve the special atmosphere, the use of flash photography and personal flashlights is strictly prohibited.
Please refrain from making audio or video recordings of the guide's explanations.
To ensure a smooth experience for all participants, simultaneous interpretation is not permitted while the guide is speaking. Please wait until the guide has finished a section before translating for members of your group.
The tour will run in light rain. In case of rain, please bring your own umbrella or raincoat.
In the event of cancellation due to severe weather (e.g., official storm warnings), we will notify you by 18:40 on the day of the tour via your registered email address. A full refund will be issued in this case.
There is no dedicated parking near the meeting point; please arrive by foot or public bus. Please also be aware that taxi services within the town of Koyasan generally stop operating at 17:00 (5:00 PM).
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)