How to Plan a Day Trip from Osaka to Koyasan (Mount Koya)

When we were in Osaka, we wanted a break from the busy city and decided to take a day trip to Koyasan. It turned out to be one of the most peaceful places we visited in Japan!

Koyasan is a small mountain town in Wakayama Prefecture known for its temples, beautiful forest paths, and Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan.

Even with just one day in Koyasan, we were able to see the main sights, try some local food, and enjoy the atmosphere that makes Koyasan feel so different from Osaka.

This guide covers everything you need to plan your own day trip from Osaka to Koyasan.

How to Plan a Day Trip from Osaka to Koyasan

In this blog post, I share exactly how to plan a day trip to Koyasan from Osaka.

It includes step-by-step details on how to get there by public transit, the top things to do in Koyasan, where to eat, and a sample itinerary with time stamps.

Here is a Google Map with all the sights from this itinerary pinned.

➡️Check out my 3-Day Osaka Itinerary to see all the things we did and the food we loved!

How to Get to Koyasan from Osaka

Getting to Koyasan from Osaka is not too difficult, but it does involve a few steps with different types of transportation.

We took public transit and used Google Maps for directions, which made things really easy. The entire trip from Osaka to Koyasan took us about 2.5 hours (one-way).

Train from Osaka to Gokurakubashi Station: We took the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station, which we figured out using Google Maps. There is also the Limited Express “Koya” train that gets you there a bit faster, but it costs more and requires a reservation.
Cable Car from Gokurakubashi to Koyasan Station: At the end of the train ride, you will switch to a cable car that takes you up the mountain. The ride is only about five minutes. The views are great, and it was a fun experience!
Bus or Walk from Koyasan Station: Bus or Walk from Koyasan Station: Once you get to Koyasan Station, you can either take a bus into town or walk. We chose the bus since it was quick and made getting around between temples much easier.

💡Tip: Before your trip, add the Suica card to your Apple Wallet if you have an iPhone. All the public transit from Osaka to Koyasan (and back) can be paid for using the Suica card.

The lush green mountains and trees that you can see out the windows of the train while taking public transit from Osaka to Koyasan as a day trip. — **Train Ride to Koyasan from Osaka**

➡️ Planning your trip? Here’s my guide on where to stay in Osaka so you can pick the right neighborhood and hotels.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

What to Do in Koyasan

Koyasan is small, but there is plenty to see and do, even if you only have one day to explore.

Here’s what we did (and what I’d recommend if it’s your first visit)!

Explore Okunoin Cemetery

Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and also the resting place of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

This was the highlight of our trip to Koyasan! It was so peaceful to walk along the forest paths surrounded by tall cedar trees and stone lanterns.

Some of the main spots to see here are Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum (no photos allowed), Torodo Lantern Hall, and the many old gravestones.

You can explore Okunoin on your own, but if you have the chance, I recommend joining a night tour if you’re staying overnight.

We did this during our overnight stay at Ekoin Temple, and it was an amazing experience!

If you are visiting on your own, plan to spend at least an hour or two walking through at a relaxed pace.

Danjo Garan Temple Complex

Danjo Garan is the spiritual center of Koyasan and one of the most photogenic spots.

The two main sights are:

Konpon Daito Pagoda: A bright red, 45-meter-tall pagoda that stands out against the forest
Kondo Hall: Where important Buddhist rituals are held

The temple grounds are a nice area to walk around and admire the details of the buildings.

See Kongobu-ji Temple

Kongobu-ji is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism and has beautiful architecture and gardens.

Inside, there are beautifully painted sliding doors and traditional wooden halls.

The main feature is the Banryutei Rock Garden, which is the largest rock garden in Japan.

You can partake in calligraphy or prayer experiences here, but we just walked through and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Daimon Gate

At the edge of town is Daimon Gate, a large wooden gate that marks the entrance to Koyasan.

It is a great spot for photos!

Join a Meditation Session at Ekoin Temple

If you want to experience the spiritual side of Koyasan, I highly recommend joining the 4:30 PM meditation session at Ekoin Temple.

We joined one during our stay, and it was such a peaceful way to slow down.

It doesn’t take long (around 40 minutes), but it gives you a moment to pause and connect with the experience.

Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can pay to join the session (make reservation here). It is a great last thing to do in Koyasan before heading back to Osaka.

The bright blue carpet and tan circle pillows on the ground of the meditation hall at Ekoin Temple where you can partake in a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk. — **Meditation Session at Ekoin Temple**

The beautiful Japanese-style traditional exterior of Ekoin Temple in Koyasan which is a popular Buddhist temple to stay at overnight in Koyasan. — **Ekoin Temple in Koyasan**

The inside of a room at Ekoin Temple in Koyasan where you can stay overnight and sleep on the floor on top of tatami mats. — **Our Room at Ekoin Temple**

Where to Eat in Koyasan

Koyasan does not have a lot of food options, but there are still a few small restaurants and places to grab snacks.

As you walk along the main street, you will pass a few small restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a meal.

Since there aren’t nearly as many food options as you would find in places like Osaka, I recommend bringing a few snacks with you just in case.

Temple Meals (Shojin Ryori): Many temple stays, including Ekoin Temple, serve traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals. Some temples in Koyasan offer lunch or dinner to visitors even if you aren’t staying overnight, though you will need to pay separately for the meal. If you want to have lunch at Ekoin Temple, you will need to make a reservation here.
Convenience Stores: Koyasan has a Family Mart where you can pick up sandwiches, onigiri, and other quick meals or snacks. It is a convenient option for a quick lunch while exploring. This is probably what I would recommend doing for lunch to save time!

The large spread of food served for dinner at Ekoin Temple which consists of a traditional Buddhist monk diet which is a vegan. — Our Dinner at Ekoin Temple When We Stayed Overnight

The variety of food served for breakfast at Ekoin Temple consisting of tofu and other vegan food items in line with the Buddhist monk diet. — **Breakfast at Ekoin Temple When We Stayed Overnight**

The beautiful traditional wooden exterior of the buildings lining the main street in Koyasan surrounded by tall green trees and the mountains. — **Main Street in Koyasan**

Suggested One-Day Koyasan Itinerary as a Day Trip from Osaka

Here is how I would plan a one-day Koyasan itinerary:

7:00 AM – Depart Osaka
9:30 AM – Arrive at Koyasan Station
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM – Take the Bus to Okunoin Cemetery
10:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Explore Okunoin Cemetery: Walk the paths and stop at Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, Torodo Lantern Hall, and the gravestones.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Head to Danjo Garan Temple Complex: Take a bus or walk to the temple area.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Visit Danjo Garan: See the Konpon Daito Pagoda and Kondo Hall, then walk the temple grounds.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM – Kongobu-ji Temple: Explore the rock garden and temple halls.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM – Daimon Gate: Walk to the large entrance gate for photos and views of the town.
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM – Explore the Local Streets
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM – Return to Koyasan Station: Take the bus or walk back to the station.
3:45 PM – 6:15 PM – Arrive Back in Osaka

➡️Looking for another day trip from Osaka? Check out my Nara Day Trip Itinerary which is only about 45 minutes from Osaka!

Tips for Visiting Koyasan

Comfortable Shoes: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes since many paths are stone and uneven. I wore my Hoka Clifton 9s throughout my Japan trip and loved them!
Cooler Weather: The weather is cooler than Osaka because of the higher elevation. Bring a light jacket in summer, and a rain jacket is even better in case of showers. I brought this packable rain jacket!
Start Early: Start early to avoid crowded trains and to have more time in Koyasan. Visiting Okunoin Cemetery first thing in the morning makes it less crowded and more peaceful.
Have Cash: Carry some cash since not all shops accept cards. I used 7-Eleven ATMs in Japan to withdraw yen.
Be Respectful: Follow temple rules. Some areas don’t allow photography and it’s important to stay quiet during prayers.
Public Transit: Use the bus between major sights to save time and energy. Google Maps is the best app for navigating public transit in Japan.