Koyasan Okunoin Night Tour (Kōyasan Okunoin Night Tour)
Okunoin cemetery is said to be the place where Kūkai still remains alive to this day. Between an early dinner and bedtime, you can join a night tour focused on “Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai)” in Okunoin cemetery. Monks licensed to guide in English lead an enjoyable tour.
During the tour, you can learn about:
- Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Kōyasan
- Legends (funny and scary stories from the cemetery)
- The daily life of monks
- The history of Kōyasan
- Tombs
- The teachings of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
It may also be possible to see flying squirrels, big frogs, and fireflies.
This curated walk highlights aspects of the cemetery that travelers often miss when visiting on their own—such as the symbolism behind the shapes of tombstones, Buddhist funeral culture, and other traditions. You can expect legends that are both spooky and silly, along with other compelling stories, all explained in English. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Kōyasan’s spiritual side at a time when other tourists have already gone home.
Tour Information
- Type of Tour: Historical & Heritage Tours
- Address: Koya, Ito District, Wakayama 648-0211, Japan
- Tour Hours: 19:00–20:30
- Maximum Number of People per Group: 35
- Departure Date: Daily
- Enquiry Telephone: 80-3108-4790
- Enquiry Email: info@awesome-tours.jp
Admission Fee
- Purchase on the same day:
- Adult: 2,500 yen (over 12 years old)
- Child: 500 yen
- Advanced reservation online:
- Adult: 2,300 yen (over 12 years old)
- Child: 300 yen
- Toddlers under 3 years old: Free
Online Reservation
Advance reservations are available at a discounted rate. Reservations can be made easily from a smartphone or PC in 2 minutes, or by telephone or e-mail (normal fee).
- Reservation Website: https://awesome-tours.jp/高野山の夜/
Tour Itinerary
- Meeting point: Ekoin 19:00
- Departure: 19:15
- Route: Ekoin → (about 2 km walk) → Okunoin / Mausoleum → Gokusho
- Finishing point: Okunoin Gokusho 20:30
Social Media
- Website: https://www.night.koyasan-okunoin.com/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/koyasanokunoinnighttour-104560741283098/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb7iYeMXKsmUNtLsbNwcsvA
