Koyasan Pilgrimage Trails
The Koyasan Pilgrimage Trails are deeply woven into Japan's spiritual fabric, serving as sacred routes that connect the revered Koyasan mountain to the outside world. These trails have long been walked by pilgrims seeking enlightenment, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's Buddhist traditions. Notable routes, such as the Koyasan Choishi Michi, Fudozaka, and Kohechi Trails, each hold unique spiritual significance, guiding travelers through serene landscapes that have been part of Japan's religious history for centuries. They symbolize the enduring relationship between nature, faith, and the passage of time.
These pilgrimage paths offer more than just a physical journey; they serve as pathways to spiritual reflection and growth. The Koyasan Choishi Michi is the original route, symbolizing the pilgrim's quest for enlightenment, while the Fudozaka Trail carries historical meaning for female pilgrims who were once prohibited from entering Koyasan. The Kohechi Trail, linking Koyasan to the sacred Kumano Kodo shrines, provides a more challenging but equally significant path for those seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s spiritual heritage. Together, these trails offer pilgrims an immersive experience in Japan's spiritual and cultural traditions, allowing them to walk in the footsteps of those who have traversed these sacred paths for centuries.
Hiking routes
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The Koyasan Choishi Michi Trail is the main historic route to Koyasan, starting at Kudoyama Station on the Nankai Koya Line. The 23.5-kilometer trail is marked by stone signposts, called choishi, which guide hikers. The markers are numbered and represent the five Buddhist elements: earth, water, fire, air, and void.
Starting point →
The hike takes about seven hours to complete, but you can shorten it by starting from Kami-Kosawa or Kii-Hosokawa Stations. The trail ends at the Daimon Gate, a tall red gate marking the entrance to Koyasan. From there, the path continues to the Garan temple complex.
- Length
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14.5 miles (23.5 kilometers)
- Duration
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7 hours
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The Fudozaka Trail is a short, steep route to Koyasan from Gokurakubashi Station, the lower station of the Koyasan Cablecar. The 2.5-kilometer trail takes about an hour to climb and less time to descend. It ends at the Fudozaka-guchi Nyonindo, a historic temple hall that was once used for female visitors who were banned from the town before 1872.
Starting point →
A nearby trail, called the Women Pilgrims Course, takes you around Koyasan’s perimeter, passing the ruins of other Nyonindo halls and leading to the entrance of Okunoin. This 7-kilometer trail takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
- Length
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4.4 miles (7 kilometers)
- Duration
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2.5 hours
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The Kohechi Trail is a tough but rewarding hike that connects Koyasan to the sacred Kumano shrines. This remote mountain trail takes about a week to complete and requires careful planning and the right gear.
- Length
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40-43 miles (65-70 kilometers)
- Duration
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A week
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