Osaka to Mount Koya: How to get to and around Mount Koya

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 (300 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 (840 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 bicycle rental service is available at the guest house. Wanpaku Park is 45 km from Guest House hachi hachi, 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 daily 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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- 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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- Sekishoin
  Mid-range
  
  Founded 1100 years ago and located in Mount Koyasan, guests can experience staying in a historical Buddhist temple at Sekishoin Shukubo. Japanese-style rooms are offered. Koyasan Cable Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. All rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Some rooms have free Wi-Fi access. A private bathroom is provided in rooms at the New Wing, and rooms in the Main Wing have shared bathrooms and toilets. Heating is available in all rooms. Sekishoin has a beautiful traditional garden and a drink vending machine is on-site. Photocopying and luggage storage is available. Guests can participate in monastic activities during the morning service. Traditional vegetarian cuisines are available for breakfast and dinner. All meals are served at the dining room. Sekishoin is a 10-minute walk from Kongobu-ji Temple and a 15-minute walk from the Tokugawa Family Tomb. Guests can visit various other temples in the area.
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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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