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Kansai Pass

KOYASAN 2-day pass

Pass Kansai map

Immerse yourself in a spiritual experience in the heart of Japan with the KOYASAN 2-day pass, and gain easy access to places rich in culture and serenity. This pass offers you flexibility, practicality and, above all, the opportunity to visit and travel around the mystical place that is Koyasan.

It's the ideal option if you want to visit Koyasan from Osaka, as it covers your entire itinerary and gives you access to must-see sites such as Kongobuji, Okunoin and Danjo-Garan.


Benefits of the KOYASAN 2-Day Pass:

  • Round-trip tickets between Nankai Namba station (Osaka) and Koyasan station.
  • 2 consecutive days of unlimited bus travel in the Koyasan region.
  • Easy access to all major Koyasan sites.
  • Flexibility to discover Koyasan at your own pace.
See details and conditions

2 days

Adults: $24

Koyasan

One of Japan's most important monastic complexes, Koyasan, perched in seclusion on high plateaus, is a mecca of Buddhist worship.

Founded in 819 by the monk Kukai, Mount Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Situated at an altitude of 800 metres, Mount Koya is home to some 120 temples, part of which, called shukubo, are also used as lodgings for pilgrims.

A place of worship and pilgrimage, everything on Mount Koya exudes sacredness. From Kongobuji, the main temple where the highest priest of Koyasan resides, to Okunoin, an immense cemetery hidden in a cedar forest at the center of which is the mausoleum of Kukai, via the vermilion pagoda of Danjo Garan.

Koyasan, Japan

Laurent Gence @unsplash

In search of spirituality

Kongobuji: Begin your Koyasan adventure with a visit to the main temple, home to Koyasan's highest priest. Founded by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the death of his mother and rebuilt in 1861, Kongobuji temple contains screen paintings by Kano Tanyu and other painters of the Kyoto Kano school.

Okunoin: Crossing the Ichi no Hashi bridge, which opens the way to Okunoin, is like crossing a bridge between two worlds. On the other side, the atmosphere changes, and the air feels charged and sacred. The towering cedars that grace the first burial grounds mask the sky and the exit from the paved path that winds through the woods.

Danjo-Garan: This temple was one of the first complexes built by Kobo Daishi in Koyasan. Vast, silent and soothing, it abounds in temple buildings and a sumptuous pagoda with a unique atmosphere.

Koyasan, Japan

Hanna Eberhard @unsplash

Cultural immersion

Stay in a shukubo: Experience a unique journey in Japan, sleeping in a Japanese temple allows you to immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of monastic life.

Shukubo, which literally means "sleeping with the monks", is a must for many visitors to Japan.

This experience of staying in a Buddhist temple gives you an insight into the daily life of Japanese monks. Take part in meditation sessions, attend morning prayers and enjoy traditional vegetarian meals.

Image showing a monk in a temple in Koyasan from a distance

@Pixabay

Two monks on a path in Koyasan

@Pixabay

Monk from behind in front of a temple in Koyasan

@Pixabay

Japan Experience recommendations:

  • Kumagai-ji Temple - Located in the heart of Koyasan, Kumagai-ji Temple offers a peaceful, authentic retreat. Founded centuries ago, this Shukubo is steeped in history and spirituality.
  • Ichijo-in - Nestled among the majestic cedars of Koyasan, Ichijo-in is a sanctuary of tranquility and reflection.
  • Saizen-in Temple - With its peaceful gardens and elegant architecture, it embodies traditional Japanese aesthetics.

How to get to Koyasan with this Pass

From Osaka to Koyasan:

Take a train from Nankai Namba station to Koyasan. To do so, scan your QR code at the ticket gates of Nankai Namba station. Board the Nankai-Koya Line, which will take you to Gokurakubashi station. From there, take the cable car directly to Koyasan station. The whole journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Nankai Koya Line train in 1990

@Wikimedia

Getting around Koyasan:

Once you've arrived at Koyasan station, use the local Nankai Rinkan buses to get to your shukubo or the various temples. Enjoy unlimited travel in the region for 2 days with the pass.

Return to Osaka:

For the return journey, follow the same route in the opposite direction. Take the cable car from Koyasan station to Gokurakubashi, then the train to Nankai Namba station in Osaka.

Limited Express option:

If you want a faster, more comfortable journey, you can choose to take the Limited Express train. Please note that this option requires a reservation and a supplement of 790 yen for adults / 400 yen for children.

How does the Pass work?

  1. After placing your order, you will receive a link containing the e-ticket within 5 days. If you order this pass more than one month before the date of your trip, we will send you a link within one month of the travel date you provide when booking.
  2. Once you've received the link, click on it to access your e-ticket on your cell phone.
  3. Once you have clicked on "use ticket", the 2-day count down will start automatically. (Please note that we will not give you the URL again or refund you in the event of an error on your part)
  4. Enjoy Koyasan with your 2-day pass!
Phone scanning a QR Code

@Nankai

@Nankai

Who can benefit from this Pass?

  • All foreigners, whether tourists or long-term visitors, can use the Pass.
  • As the Pass is intended for foreign tourists, it cannot be purchased by Japanese nationals.
     

Cancellation policy

  • We will refund 85% of the purchase price if you have not yet activated your pass, and you contact us to request cancellation at least 5 days before the expiry date.
  • If your pass has already been activated or has expired, we are not able to offer cancellation or refund.
     

Timetable between Osaka Namba and Gokurakubashi:

Getting to Koyasan:

  • Namba 08:40 -> Gokurakubashi 10:07 Koya 1 Toll Limited Express Gokurakubashi (¥790 supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • Namba 09:01 -> Gokurakubashi 10:31 Rapid-Express Gokurakubashi (no supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • Namba 10:00 -> Gokurakubashi 11:23 Koya 3 Toll Limited Express Gokurakubashi (¥790 supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • Namba 10:24 -> Gokurakubashi 12:12 Rapid-Express Gokurakubashi (no supplement with Koyasan Pass).

In addition to these trains: many local trains are accessible with the Koyasan Pass, at no extra charge, with one change needed at Hashimoto station.

Getting back from Koyasan:

  • Gokurakubashi 10:46 -> Namba 12:26 Express Nankai-Koya (no supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • The following trains all have a surcharge of ¥790 with the Koyasan Pass (Koya Toll Limited Express Nankai-Namba). Departures  are at 11:28, 12:27, 15:40, and 16:47.

In addition to these trains: many local trains are accessible with the Koyasan Pass at no extra charge, with one change needed at Hashimoto station.

 

Getting to Koyasan (Holidays):

  • Namba 8:00 -> Gokurakubashi 9:23 Koya 3Toll Limited Express Gokurakubashi (¥790 supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • Namba 9:00 -> Gokurakubashi 10:28 Koya 5Toll Limited Express Gokurakubashi (¥790 supplement with Koyasan Pass).
  • Namba 9:23 -> Gokurakubashi 10:57 Rapid-Express Gokurakubashi (no supplement with Koyasan Pass).

Getting back from Koyasan (Holidays):

  • The following trains all have a surcharge of ¥790 with the Koyasan Pass (Koya Toll Limited Express Nankai-Namba). Departures are at 08:25, 09:40, 11:19, 12:25, 13:20, 15:25.
    * Some trains do not operate during the winter season, please check before traveling.