Mount Koya: Getting there and around

From/To:

Koyasan is most conveniently accessed by Nankai Railway from Osaka's Namba or Shin-Imamiya stations. Take the Nankai Koya Line from either station to the Gokurakubashi terminal station. A few limited express trains operate directly to Gokurakubashi (80 minutes, 1720 yen, every 1-3 hours). Otherwise take an express or rapid express train (100 minutes, 930 yen, every 20-30 minutes), most of which require a transfer at Hashimoto Station along the way.

At Gokurakubashi, transfer to the cablecar which travels up the mountain to Koyasan. The ride takes about five minutes and costs 500 yen. From the top station, it is a ten minute bus ride into the town center (460 yen to Senjuinbashi bus stop). Note that it is not permitted to walk along the street which connects the cablecar station with the town center.

To save money consider using the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket or Kansai Railway Pass.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

The temples of Koyasan form a small town on the wooded mountain, about 1000 meters above sea level. Most visitors arrive by cablecar to Koyasan Station, which is a ten minute bus or taxi ride from Koyasan's town center. Note that it is not permitted to walk along the street between the cablecar station and the town center.

The town of Koyasan is relatively flat and many of its attractions are easily explored on foot. Most of the sites, including the Garan, Kongobuji and the Reihokan Museum are located in the town center, a short walk away from the Senjuinbashi intersection. Among the main attractions, only Okunoin stands outside of the town center at the eastern end of the town. At the western end of the town stands Daimon Gate, the traditional point of entry to Koyasan.

Three bus routes serve the town: the main line connects Koyasan Station with Okunoin, a second line connects Koyasan Station with Daimon Gate, and a third line connects Daimon Gate with Okunoin. All bus lines pass the Senjuinbashi intersection at the center of town, where the Koyasan Tourist Information Center is located.

Koyasan Bus Network:

A good audio guide is available from the Koyasan Central Tourist Information Center for a 500 yen rental fee. The audio guide is provided in five languages (English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and French) and may be checked out between 8:30 and 16:30 to be returned by the following morning. It offers detailed explanations about almost all the local sites of interest.

The following discount tickets are available for visitors to Koyasan. Note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover access to Koyasan or transportation inside Koyasan.

Combination Ticket (2500 yen)
This ticket provides admission to many points of interest on Koyasan, including Kongobuji, the Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda at the Garan, the Reihokan Museum and the Tokugawa Mausoleum. It also entitles holders to participate in a jukai service at Daishi Kyokai. It is available at the Koyasan tourist information offices and can be used over multiple days.
Koyasan World Heritage Ticket (from 3140 yen) - more details
The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is available from Nankai Namba, Shin-Imamiya and Tengachaya Stations for 3140 yen and includes a round trip ticket from Osaka to Koyasan, unlimited bus travel within Koyasan town and discounted admission to Kongobuji, the Reihokan Museum and the Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda at the Garan. The World Heritage Ticket is valid over two consecutive days.
Kansai Railway Pass (5600 or 7000 yen) - more details
The Kansai Railway Pass may pay off if you visit Koyasan in combination with other places in the Kansai Region. Alternatively the pass can make sense to those who stay at Koyasan for more than two days, as the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is only valid on two consecutive calendar days, while the Kansai Railway Pass can be used on non-consecutive days.
1-Day Bus Pass (1100 yen)
A one day bus pass provides unlimited use of buses on Koyasan on one calendar day. It can be purchased at the upper station of the Koyasan Cablecar.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Japanese

Nankai Railway

Official website.

Nankai Rinkan Bus

Official website of the bus operator on Koyasan.

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 ��R �h�V ��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, ��R �h�V ��@ -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. ��R �h�V ��@ -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, ��R �h�V ��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 ��R �h�V ��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 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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- 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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- 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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