GetJRPass home
    Back to articles

    Sacred sites

    Mount Koya from Osaka with the JR Pass

    Mount Koya, or Koyasan, is the sacred mountain home of Shingon Buddhism. The JR Pass gets you most of the way from Osaka, with a short private leg at the end.

    01

    How to get to Koyasan

    • JR loop and JR Kansai line from Osaka to Hashimoto, around 1 hour 15 minutes, covered by JR Pass.
    • Switch to the Nankai Koya line at Hashimoto, around 45 minutes, not covered.
    • Final cable car from Gokurakubashi to Koyasan, included in the Nankai ticket.
    02

    What to see

    • Okunoin cemetery, atmospheric and best visited at dusk.
    • Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism.
    • Danjo Garan temple complex.
    • Stay overnight in a shukubo, a working temple lodging.
    03

    Suggested day plan from Osaka

    Leave Osaka by 8:00 on the JR Kansai line to Hashimoto, change to the Nankai Koya line, arrive Koyasan by 11:00. Lunch shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian food), afternoon at Okunoin and Danjo Garan, return to Osaka by evening or stay the night at a temple.

    04

    Tips

    • An overnight temple stay is the highlight, book ahead.
    • Mornings are cold even in summer, bring a layer.
    • Buy the Nankai Koyasan World Heritage Ticket for the private leg.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Does the JR Pass cover Mount Koya?

    Only as far as Hashimoto. The Nankai Koya line and cable car require a separate ticket.

    Is a Koyasan day trip from Osaka worth it?

    An overnight temple stay is best, but a long day trip is possible.

    Is shojin ryori dinner included in temple stays?

    Yes. Most shukubo include vegetarian dinner and breakfast.

    Related articles

    Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.

    Order your Japan Rail Pass with GetJRPass

    Worldwide shipping, official exchange voucher, support in your language. Order in minutes and pick up your pass in Japan.