Koyasan Monastery Retreat
Spectacular train journey and Buddhist temple lodgings.
Please enquire for upcoming departure dates and live pricing.
Itinerary
- DAY 1 – OSAKA TO KOYASAN:
Depart from Osaka by the limited express train to Koyasan (no guide), the centre of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect for over 1,200 years. The 2.5-hour journey to the mountaintop is one of the highlights of the visit. You will take several local trains, with the last train being one of the most scenic in Japan, winding its way up through the mountains. Enjoy a short cable car ride to the top of the 900 metre high Koyasan where your Local Guide will meet you. Visit Kongobu-ji Temple, the head monastery of Shingon Buddhism, home to Japan’s largest rock garden, as well as the Garan temple complex. Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and holds the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. The 2km walk to the mausoleum takes you past 200,000 tombstones, belonging to feudal lords, prominent monks and well known Japanese companies. Tonight you will be staying at a shukubo, Buddhist temple lodging in Japanese-style accommodation. Dinner is Shojin Ryori, traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine. - DAY 2 – KOYASAN TO OSAKA:
Rise early to watch the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a Shojin Ryori breakfast. Take the train to Shin Imamiya in Osaka at your leisure where upon arrival, your arrangements end.
Highlights
- Explore the 1,200-year-old Shingon Buddhist center of Koyasan.
- Witness the monks’ morning prayers and enjoy traditional vegetarian cuisine.
- Journey by train through the scenic mountains to reach the mountaintop temple.
Spectacular train journey and Buddhist temple lodgings.
Inclusions
- Koyasan.
- Day 1 highlights OSAKA TO KOYASAN: Depart from Osaka by the limited express train to Koyasan (no guide), the centre of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect for over 1,200 years. The 2.5-hour journey to the mountaintop is one of the highlights of the visit. You will take several local trains, with the last train being one of the most scenic in Japan, winding its way up through the mountains. Enjoy a short cable car ride to the top of the 900 metre high Koyasan where your Local Guide will meet you. Visit Kongobu-ji Temple, the head monastery of Shingon Buddhism, home to Japan’s largest rock garden, as well as the Garan temple complex. Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and holds the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi. The 2km walk to the mausoleum takes you past 200,000 tombstones, belonging to feudal lords, prominent monks and well known Japanese companies. Tonight you will be staying at a shukubo, Buddhist temple lodging in Japanese-style accommodation. Dinner is Shojin Ryori, traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.
- Day 2 highlights KOYASAN TO OSAKA: Rise early to watch the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a Shojin Ryori breakfast. Take the train to Shin Imamiya in Osaka at your leisure where upon arrival, your arrangements end.
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 2 days and 1 nights.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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