Koyasan: Getting there and around

Getting to Koyasan

By regular train
  • 2 h
  • ¥1,890 - 2,990

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, 1880 for an e-ticket or 2030 yen for a paper ticket, 2 trains/day). 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 Lite.

By sightseeing train
  • 2 h
  • ¥3,590 -

A special sightseeing train with special seats, a lounge car and drink and food options on board, the Gran Tenku, makes two round trips per day between Osaka's Namba Station and Gokurakubashi, except on Wednesdays and selected Thursdays. In addition to the base fare, it requires a 1700 yen limited express fee, which is not covered by the Koyasan World Heritage Ticket. Premium seats with drink and food options cost additionally. Seat reservations are required and can be made at Nankai Railway stations or online.

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

Getting around

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.

Passes and Tickets

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 3980 yen) - more details
    The Koyasan World Heritage Ticket is available in digital or paper form and includes a round trip from Osaka to Koyasan, unlimited bus travel within Koyasan town and discounted admission to the Reihokan Museum and the Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda at the Garan (the more expensive paper version also includes discounted admission to Kongobuji). The World Heritage Ticket is valid over two consecutive days.
  • Kansai Railway Pass Lite (5200 or 6500 yen) - more details
    The Kansai Railway Pass Lite 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 Lite can be used on non-consecutive days.
  • 1-Day Bus Pass (1500 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.
Bus stop in front of Koyasan Station

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Links and Resources

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Japanese

Hotels around Koyasan

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    •
      Guest House hachi hachi
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Guest House hachi hachi in Koyasan offers air-conditioned rooms with tatami floors and work desks. Shared bathrooms ensure convenience for all guests.

      Essential Facilities

      Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Each room includes a television and a comfortable bed, providing a relaxing stay.

      Convenient Location

      Located 60 km from Kansai International Airport, the guest house is near attractions such as Kishi Station (37 km) and Matsushita Park (43 km). Highly rated for its host, room cleanliness, and breakfast provided by the property.
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      9.6Booking.com
    •
      Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu in Koyasan offers a 1-star guest house experience with air-conditioning, ground-floor units, and shared bathrooms. Each room includes slippers for added comfort.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a terrace, bar, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include bicycle parking, bike hire, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.

      Breakfast and Activities

      A continental breakfast is served daily. The property is highly rated for its friendly host, delicious breakfast, and convenient location. Activities such as hiking are popular among guests.

      Local Attractions

      Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu is 63 km from Kansai International Airport and near attractions like Kishi Station (40 km), Subaru Hall (45 km), and Matsushita Park (47 km).
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      9.5Booking.com
    •
      Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo in Koyasan offers family rooms with air-conditioning, refrigerators, work desks, and soundproofing. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bath, tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, sofa bed, and tatami or carpeted floors.

      Dining Experience

      The on-site restaurant serves Japanese cuisine for dinner. Guests can enjoy meals in a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing their stay with delicious meals.

      Convenient Facilities

      The guest house provides free WiFi, a restaurant, and full-day security. Additional amenities include luggage storage, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

      Nearby Attractions

      Located 37 km from Kishi Station, 44 km from Matsushita Park, and 60 km from Kansai International Airport, the property offers easy access to local attractions.
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      9.2Booking.com
    •
      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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      9.2Booking.com
    •
      Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin
      Luxury

      Historic Charm

      Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin in Koyasan offers a 4-star ryokan experience within a historic building. Guests enjoy a serene garden and free WiFi throughout the property.

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with bidets, and tatami floors. Additional amenities include bathrobes, slippers, and garden views.

      Dining Experience

      The ryokan serves vegan and Asian breakfasts, alongside a dinner featuring traditional Japanese cuisine. Free off-site private parking is available.

      Local Attractions

      Kansai International Airport is 62 km away. Nearby points of interest include Kishi Station (39 km) and Matsushita Park (45 km). Guests appreciate the property staff and service support.
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      9.0Booking.com
    •
      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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      9.0Booking.com
    •
      Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin in Koyasan offers a 3-star ryokan experience with a garden and free WiFi. Guests enjoy garden views and an inner courtyard setting.

      Comprehensive Facilities

      The property features a public bath, culture classes, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Free on-site private parking is available.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A vegetarian and Asian breakfast is served daily, highly praised by guests.

      Convenient Location

      Located 61 km from Kansai International Airport, the ryokan is near attractions such as Kishi Station (38 km) and Matsushita Park (45 km). Guests appreciate the friendly staff and excellent service.
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      9.0Booking.com
    •
      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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      8.9Booking.com
    •
      Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin
      Budget-friendly
      Located in Koyasan, Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin is a historic temple approximately 1100 years old and located 300 metres from Daimon Gate. All rooms features tatami (woven-straw) flooring. The property has a hot spring bath with free toiletries. Guests can attend Buddhist morning services. There is a coffee shop on site. Kansai International Airport is 90 minutes by car from Koyasan Shukubo Sainanin.
      View on Booking.com
      8.1Booking.com
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