Published on Aug, 2024

I've traveled around the world quite a lot, and I have to say that Koyasan is by far the most stunningly beautiful place I've ever seen. Bar none. On the path to the mausoleum, you can see thousands of tombs blended with this ancient forest of cypress, cedar, and pine trees. Utterly breathtaking. I could stay there all day, just taking in the mystical hum of the old trees and the spirits that have passed on. I only wish I had stayed a few days in Wakayama to be able to see more of it! The day trip I made from Osaka didn't do Koyasan justice—there must be a next time! This town is completely amazing on its own, but if you have the good fortune of being paired with the all-star guide Noriko Hosokawa, you will have the time of your life. I stayed in Japan for three weeks this trip, and Noriko is easily one of the top 3 guides I met along the way. She is an absolute ray of sunshine of a person—warm and welcoming from the very first moment I greeted her. We were like two giggling school girls from start to end—there was so much to joke about, so much to reflect on, so much to learn. Spending a day with Noriko is such a gift and so enlivening. Will definitely be reaching out to her next time I'm in Japan to continue the Koyasan adventures!

Published on Jul, 2024

Huge thank you to Noriko for an amazing full day tour experience in Koyasan. Noriko is very knowledgeable, professional, kind and was receptive to all of our requests on this tour. She picked us up right in our temple lodging and gave us a detailed History explanation. Our boys, 13 & 15 years old loved her stories and were never bored. Noriko’s English was excellent. Highly, highly recommended!

Published on Jul, 2024

Our tour guide did a fantastic job of showing us the wonders of Koyasan. She was thorough, professional and very friendly. Her knowledge of the area was impressive. Would highly recommend this experience.

Published on Jun, 2024

We spent a day with Noriko at Koyasan. She provided a wonderful tour for the three of us, my wife, younger son and myself. Her tour provided an excellent introduction to Japanese spirituality and religion. The sites were well selected, and provided a nice overview of Koyasan. The tour through Oku-no-in was fascinating historically. Noriko is a passionate and effective teacher, a caring guide, and we thoroughly enjoyed her companionship!

Published on Jun, 2024

This tour was a special and memorable day. Noriko is a perfect guide, and provides detailed history and education about Kukai, esoteric buddhism and the shrines. We had a fabulous day together, even in the rain!