The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket by Nankai Railway is a rail pass providing a round trip to Mount Koya by Nankai Railway, unlimited travel on buses on Mount Koya and discounted admission to selected tourist attractions on up to two consecutive days.

Koyasan World Heritage Ticket
TypeDigital ticketPaper ticket
Regular Version (from Namba or Shin-Imamiya)3,140 yen3,540 yen
Limited Express Version (from Namba or Shin-Imamiya)3,690 yen4,090 yen

The map below shows the train (in red), cablecar (in orange) and bus lines (in blue) to be used for the round trip and within the free area of the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket:

Validity

Round trip

  1. The round trip is to be done by a train along the Nankai Koya Line between Osaka and Gokurakubashi at the foot of Mount Koya and by the Koyasan Cablecar between Gokurakubashi Station and Koyasan Station at the top of the mountain.
  2. The "regular version" of the ticket is valid on all trains along the Nankai Koya Line except limited express trains (tokkyu). Ticket holders may ride a limited express by paying the limited express supplement fee of 790 yen one way.
  3. The "limited express version" additionally allows the ticket holder to ride a limited express train from Osaka to Gokurakubashi but not in the opposite direction. Ticket holders who wish to ride a limited express back to Osaka, as well, can do so by paying the limited express supplement fee of 790 yen.
  4. You cannot get off and leave a station between your departure station and the free area.

Free area

  1. Unlimited use of buses in the town of Mount Koya.

Other conditions

  1. The ticket is valid on up to two consecutive calendar days.
  2. The ticket provides discounted admission to the Reihokan Museum (200 yen off) and the Kondo Hall (100 yen off) and Daito Pagoda (100 yen off) at the Garan. The paper ticket (but not the digital ticket) also provides discounted admission to the Kongobuji (200 yen off).
  3. The digital ticket has to be purchased at least one day before the travel date. It cannot be purchased on the day of travel. The paper ticket, however, can also be purchased on the day of travel.

Points of sale

The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket can be purchased either as a conventional paper ticket or as a digital ticket. Digital tickets are cheaper, but do not include the discount for admission for Kongobuji. Also, unlike paper tickets, digital tickets need to be purchased at least one day in advance of the travel date. Paper tickets can be purchased at ticket counters at railway stations of Nankai Railway, including Namba, Shin-Imamiya and Kansai Airport, while digital tickets can be purchased online through the official website or through travel websites such as Japan Experience, but may incur a service fee.

Assessment

The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is a good deal, as it is likely to come cheaper than regular tickets while also providing convenience. Regular tickets for a round trip by train and bus from Osaka into central Koyasan town cost 3780 yen alone, compared to 3140-3540 yen for the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket. Any additional use of buses on Koyasan and the discounts on admission to selected sightseeing spots make it an even better deal.

Alternative tickets

Depending on your itinerary, a Kansai Railway Pass can be an alternative worth considering, especially if you do extensive travel in the Kansai Region besides your trip to Koyasan or stay on the mountain for more than two days.

Hotels around Mount Koya

Top rated on Mount Koya
Budget:
    • Guest House hachi hachi
      Budget-friendly
      Offering quiet street views, Guest House hachi hachi is an accommodation situated in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 43 km from Matsushita Park. The 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation features full-day security and bicycle parking for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A continental breakfast is available at the guest house. A bicycle rental service is available at Guest House hachi hachi. Wanpaku Park is 45 km from the accommodation, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 60 km away.
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    • Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
      Budget-friendly
      Located just 40 km from Kishi Station, Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu offers accommodation in Koyasan with access to a terrace, a bar, as well as luggage storage space. It is set 45 km from Subaru Hall and features bicycle parking. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. At the guest house, every unit includes a shared bathroom with slippers. A continental breakfast is available at the guest house. The area is popular for hiking, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Matsushita Park is 47 km from Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu. Kansai International Airport is 63 km away.
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    • Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 2-star accommodation, Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo is set in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 44 km from Matsushita Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Jigenin Temple is 47 km from the guest house and Subaru Hall is 48 km away. At the guest house, some units are soundproof. Wanpaku Park is 46 km from the guest house, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km away. Kansai International Airport is 60 km from the property.
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    • Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin
      Mid-range
      Located in the sacred Koyasan area, Saizenin offers simple accommodation surrounded by mountains and many temples. Originally developed as a lodging for the templesf pilgrims, it conducts Buddhist services every morning that guests can attend. Nankai Koyasan Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a seating area. A safety deposit box is also provided. The ‚–μŽR h–V Ό‘T‰@ -Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin- features luggage storage and free parking. Kansai International Airport is 40 km away. Nankai Namba Train Station in Osaka is a 2-hour train ride from the proprety. Healthy vegetarian meals are served in the guest room or in the dining room for dinner and breakfast.
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    • Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin
      Mid-range
      Located in Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‚–μŽR h–V νŠμ‰@ -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- offers free private parking. All rooms include a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms have a shared bathroom. ‚–μŽR h–V νŠμ‰@ -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- features free WiFi throughout the property. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can participate in the morning prayers upon request. The property is a minute's walk from Kongobu-ji Temple. The temple building is also situated nearby.
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    • Koyasan Shukubo Yochiin
      Mid-range
      Located in the sacred Mount Koya area, ‚–μŽR h–V χ’r‰@ -Koyasan Shukubo Yochiin- is a historic temple and an accommodation for visitors. Just to the left of entering sanmon gate, there is a stone garden created by the famous Mirei Shigemori and designated a natural monument by the Japanese government. Guests can experience temple activities such as meditation, sutra copying and tracing of Buddhist deities at an additional charge, if reserved in advance. Guests can also participate in morning prayers, which do not require reservation. All rooms at ‚–μŽR h–V χ’r‰@ -Koyasan Shukubo Yochiin- are Japanese-style and feature tatami (woven-straw) floors. Traditional futon bedding, a TV, fan and heater are provided. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. The spacious public baths feature a hot tub. On-site luggage storage is available. Guests with reservations that include a meal can enjoy delicately prepared homemade vegetarian meals featuring seasonal dishes. Convenience stores are located within a 3-minute walking distance from the property. It is a 10-minute walk from the famous Kongobuji Temple. Guests can visit the Buddhist temple, Danjogaran, just a 3-minute walk away.
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    • Koyasan Shukubo Fumonin
      Mid-range
      Situated just 45 km from Matsushita Park, Koyasan Shukubo Fumonin features accommodation in Koyasan with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a lift. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 38 km from Kishi Station. The ryokan has family rooms. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All units at the ryokan have air conditioning and a desk. The ryokan offers an Asian or vegetarian breakfast. Wanpaku Park is 47 km from Koyasan Shukubo Fumonin, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 47 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 61 km away.
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    • Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin
      Luxury
      Offering a garden and inner courtyard view, Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin is situated in Koyasan, 46 km from Matsushita Park and 48 km from Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore. The 4-star ryokan has garden views and is 39 km from Kishi Station. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. At the ryokan, each unit is fitted with a tatami. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with bathrobes, slippers and a hair dryer. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan offers an Asian or vegan breakfast. Subaru Hall is 48 km from Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin, while Jigenin Temple is 49 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 62 km away.
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    • Sojiin
      Luxury
      Sojiin, located in the center of Mt. Koya, is a Japanese-style accommodation in a Buddhist temple located to the west of Sohonzan Kongobu-ji and in front of Danjo Garan. For dinner and breakfast, we offer gluten-free vegetarian cuisine. Sojiin is 42 km from Sakai. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 40km from the property.
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    • Kongo Sanmaiin
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in the famous Koyasan city, Kongo Sanmaiin is a property with 800 years of history. It boasts having a national treasure as well as over 10 important cultural properties on site. There is a Japanese garden and free on-site private parking is offered. Guests will find free WiFi connection available in some guest rooms. There is a drinks vending machine, and fax/photocopying services are offered for free. The property features a designated smoking area. Luggage storage space and personal lockers are offered free of charge. Guestrooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms are air-conditioned/heated with a personal locker and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, while free toiletries and slippers are provided. Vegetarian course meals are offered on site.
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