Meeting Point

Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt.Koya

Women's Pilgrimage Route

Women, who were not allowed to enter the sacred site of Mt. Koya, pilgrimed there to walk the Women's Pilgrimage Route which connected women's halls stood at the end of each of the seven pilgrimage routes. We will make a 40-minute pilgrimage from the only remaining women's hall to Daimon Gate following a 2-kilometer mountain trail.

Daimon Gate

This 25m high wooden gate marks the official entrance to Mt. Koya. Stand inside are two big statues of Nio. They have scary faces. Who is Nio? Why does he look scary? I will explain.

Danjo Garan (Temple Complex which expresses the concept of the Universe)

Kongobuji Honzan (Headquarters of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism)

Kongobuji was named so by Kukai when it was constructed in 816. Nowadays the Koyasan Shingon sect of esoteric Buddhism has about 4000 affiliated temples throughout Japan and overseas and is headquartered here. Buddhist altar rooms and guest rooms in the temple are beautifully decorated and you can feel the profoundness of Buddhism arts. Many of the existing buildings are the reconstruction of 1862.

Local Buddhists’ Vegetable Lunch (Shojin Ryori)

Mt. Koya is famous for its vegetarian cuisine which is very well known as “shojin ryori”. If you prefer this, let me know in advance.

Okuno-in (Inner Sanctuary where people meet High Priest Kukai)

At the end of the pilgrimage path, beyond the uncountable number of tomb stones, there is a mausoleum of Kukai. People believe that Kukai is still alive there to keep meditating. Why are there so many tombs there? Why does Kukai keep meditating at Okuno-in? I will explain.

Ending Point

Nankai Koyasan Station or your temple in Mt.Koya