Travel Budget for Koyasan Visit Koyasan on a Budget or Travel in Style

Koyasan, Wakayama-ken, Japan

Koyasan is a spiritual town known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Koyasan?

A typical traveler spends $97 (¥14,103) per day on a trip to Koyasan. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Koyasan based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $35 (¥5,067) on meals
  • $35 (¥5,072) on local transportation
  • $83 (¥12,000) on hotels

A one-week trip to Koyasan for two people costs, on average, $1,365 (¥197,442). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $97
    ¥14,103
  • One Week Per person
    $682
    ¥98,721
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,365
    ¥197,442
  • One Month Per person
    $2,925
    ¥423,090
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,365
    ¥197,442
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,730
    ¥394,884
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,850
    ¥846,180
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koyasan cost?

A one week trip to Koyasan usually costs around $682 (¥98,721) for one person and $1,365 (¥197,442) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Koyasan on average costs around $1,365 (¥197,442) for one person and $2,730 (¥394,884) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koyasan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Koyasan on average costs around $2,925 (¥423,090) for one person and $5,850 (¥846,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Koyasan expensive to visit?

In Koyasan, budget travelers spend $43 (¥6,170) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $97 (¥14,103) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $186 (¥26,948) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Koyasan.

Koyasan is a popular town among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

If you choose to make it so, Koyasan can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

Within Asia, Koyasan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Siem Reap or Shiretoko National Park.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koyasan Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Koyasan?

The average Koyasan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koyasan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koyasan cost?

Koyasan on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$18
(¥2,625)
$41
(¥6,000)
$79
(¥11,466)
Local Transportation1 $15
(¥2,219)
$35
(¥5,072)
$67
(¥9,691)
Food2 $15
(¥2,217)
$35
(¥5,067)
$67
(¥9,682)
Entertainment1 $6
(¥875)
$14
(¥2,000)
$26
(¥3,822)
Alcohol2 $1-3
(¥164-492)
$3-8
(¥375-1,125)
$5-15
(¥717-2,150)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Koyasan on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $43 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Koyasan will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $97 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $186 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the town, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.

Accommodation Budget in Koyasan

The hotel prices in Koyasan might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $205, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $383. Prices vary from $145 to $715, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Koyasan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $83 (¥12,000). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $41 (¥6,000) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $41
    ¥6,000
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $83
    ¥12,000

Hotels in Koyasan

Looking for a hotel in Koyasan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Koyasan

The average hotel room price in Koyasan based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $205 in the low season and $383 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Koyasan

If you want to save on accommodation in Koyasan, it has a good public transit system makes it possible to stay further out. However, your transportation costs and time spent commuting will increase.

By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.

Even though Koyasan is a big tourist draw, its smaller size means that accommodations can be in high demand. Make sure to book early if you plan to visit during summer.

Walking is a popular way to explore Koyasan, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.

The town's old town is a favorite spot for visitors. Hotels here may be expensive, but they usually have a lot of character and offer convenient access to local attractions.



Transportation Budget in Koyasan

With a good public transit network in Koyasan, many of the main sights are easy to reach. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.

Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $35 (¥5,072) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koyasan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koyasan is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $35
    ¥5,072

Trains are one of the easiest options for getting into Koya and vary depending on the area you're coming from. The most popular option is the Nankai Electric Railway which takes you from Osaka to the Gokurakubashi station. Japan Rail is another option if coming from Kyoto. Once you arrive in Gokurakubashi, you take a cable car up to the top, then a bus into town. While this sounds complicated, this entire system is extremely well organized with the train, cable car, and bus schedules integrated so well that you often only have to wait a few minutes for each mode of transportation.

If you're feeling rather adventurous and wanderlust, you can take on the Choishi-michi pilgrimage trail that begins in the city of Kudoyama and runs through Koya. This is an ancient trail that takes about 7 hours to walk in total, though there are many observation huts along the way that allow pilgrims to camp in overnight. Getting around the city itself is extremely easy as everything is within walking distance.

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.



Flights to Koyasan
How much does it cost to go to Koyasan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Koyasan
The price of renting a car in Koyasan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Koyasan

The food in Koyasan is enjoyable, but not enough to draw tourists specifically for the restaurants. Be sure to seek out a few standout restaurants in the town. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Koyasan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koyasan is $35 (¥5,067) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $35
    ¥5,067

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koyasan is around $35 (¥5067) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $67. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Koyasan are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $10
  • Lunch: $5 to $14
  • Dinner: $10 to $24
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5

If you plan to stay in a temple, you should plan to be eating only vegetarian dishes as the monks in Koya are all vegetarian. A local specialty is Koya-dofu, a tofu dish that involves freeze drying then reconstituting the tofu for an entirely unique taste. If you don't think you could go completely vegetarian, don't worry, there are plenty of options for you. The Inoue is a popular restaurant that has the largest Om-Rice in Japan, Om-Rice is an omelette filled with rice and meat. There are also plenty of traditional izakaya, pubs, around who offer classic Japanese pub food and offer a relaxed atmosphere and a great place to meet locals.

Food & Dining Tips

Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koyasan

The reason people visit Koyasan is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, historical sights, romance, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koyasan typically cost an average of $14 (¥2,000) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    ¥2,000

One of the most famous attractions in Koya is Oku-no-In, the mausoleum of Kukai which is illuminated by thousands of lanters. Legend has is that the lanterns have been lit since Kukai's death, which was over 1000 years ago. The mausoleum is enclosed by a large graveyard that has winding paths and some very unique gravestones, such as, giant spaceships and a monument built by a pesticide company memorializing its insect victims.

A popular site is the Garan, a temple complex that is home to the Konpon Daito pagoda. The Shingon doctrine says that this pagoda represents the central point of a mandala that covers all of Japan. Explore the stunning garden of the Kongobu-ji Temple, which also happens to be the headquarters of the Shingon sect. The price of admission here also includes a rice cracker and a cup of tea.



Naturally, the most popular activity in Koya is hiking Mount Koya. There are plenty of hiking trails, one of which begins at the large gate of Daimon that leads you to a shrine at the top of Bentengaku. The top of Mount Koya provides stunning views of Wakayama city and the ocean, making it the perfect spot to stop for a picnic before heading back down.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in KoyasanThe museums and landmarks in Koyasan are some of the most famous in the world. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Historical Sights:
Old Town in KoyasanMany people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.



Nightlife Budget in Koyasan

You can expect almost no nightlife in Koyasan. This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $5.18 (¥750) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koyasan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $5.18
    ¥750
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.



Travel cost data last updated: May 28, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Koyasan

  • During summer, prices typically soar and the town can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young ones usually means you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Skipping the public transport hassle can make life simpler, but be ready to spend a bit more cash.
  • Hostels are not plentiful in Koyasan, so if you're banking on finding a budget dorm, it may be time to rethink your travel plans. A cheap hotel or apartment rental could be a much better option.
Related Articles
Traveling in Koyasan
Koyasan Temple at Mount Koya, Japan

Mount Koya, Japan is a mountain city located just south of Osaka in the Wakayama prefecture. The area is known as the headquarters of the Shingnon sect of Japanese Buddhism and was first settled in 816. Over time, it has developed into the small town of Koya that is now home to a religious studies university and over 100 temples, many of which offer accommodation.

The weather in Koya tends to be hot and humid in the summers with temperatures in the mid-80's (Fahrenheit) and get a good amount of rain. Koya also experiences typhoon season during September, so it's best to avoid the area during this time. Winters are fairly mild and stay in the mid-40's. The best times to visit are spring and late autumn when there is less rain and the temperatures stay in the high 60's.



Neighborhoods & Around

Koya is essentially made up of the city at the bottom of the mountain, and the mountain itself. The mountain is home to a few different attractions, including a golf course and small shrines. The city houses the university, shops, restaurants, and the majority of the temples.

Just outside of Koya is the city of Otaki, which is famous for the large waterfalls located at the entrance of the city. Otaki is a picturesque spot for a day trip to walk around the waterfalls and enjoy a picnic.

Related:

Looking for a hostel in Japan? In search of a party in Tokyo? Traveling alone to Osaka or Tokyo?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.