Mount Koya: Getting there and around

Generally the fastest way to travel between Nara and Koyasan is via Osaka. From Nara take either the Kintetsu Nara Line to Namba Station (40 minutes by rapid express train, 680 yen, frequent departures) or the JR Yamatoji Line to Shin-Imamiya Station (35 minutes, 580 yen, frequent departures).

At Namba or Shin-Imamiya Station change to the Nankai Koya Line for Gokurakubashi Station. A few limited express trains operate directly to Gokurakubashi (80 minutes, 1720 yen, 2 trains/day). Otherwise take an express or rapid express train (100 minutes, 930 yen, departs every 10-30 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 that connects the cablecar station with the town center.

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

The more direct, but usually slower route along the JR Wakayama Line may be of interest to Japan Rail Pass holders. From JR Nara Station take a JR train along the Wakayama Line to Hashimoto Station (100 minutes, 1170 yen, one or two trains per hour). Some Wakayama bound trains travel directly from Nara to Hashimoto, while other connections require a transfer at Oji or Takada Stations. At Hashimoto Station, transfer to the Nankai Railway for Gokurakubashi (45 minutes, 490 yen, 1-2 departures per hour).

At Gokurakubashi, transfer to the cablecar which travels up the mountain to Koyasan and take a bus into the town center. The Japan Rail Pass is valid between Nara and Hashimoto, but it does not cover the train, cablecar and bus beyond Hashimoto.