Hiking The Koyasan Choishi Michi Pilgrimage Trail

The Koyasan Choishi Michi Pilgrimage Trail is an ancient route leading to the sacred mountaintop temple complex of Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. This scenic and historically significant hike follows in the footsteps of pilgrims who have traveled to Koyasan for over a thousand years. With breathtaking landscapes, traditional stone markers, and deep spiritual significance, this trail is a must for hiking enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

One of the coolest things about trip to Japan was hiking the Koyasan Choishi Michi pilgrimage trail. A lot of travelers love hiking and being outdoors and : we would hike the Choishi Michi trail. But… it wasn’t so easy to find information about the trail.

I put together this extensive post, so you can read everything you need to know about the best hiking trail in Japan.

Hiking Koyasan Choishi Michi pilgrimage trail

Table of contents

• Hiking Koyasan Choishi Michi pilgrimage trail
• How to Get to the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trailhead
• Trail Overview & Difficulty
• Alternative Routes
• What to Expect Along the Trail
• What to Pack for the Hike
• Arriving in Koyasan: Where to Stay & What to Do
• How to Get Back from Koyasan to Osaka/Kyoto
• Best Temple Stays in Koyasan (Shukubo Experience)
• Best Hotels & Guesthouses in Koyasan (Non-Temple Stays)
• Final Thoughts: Best Stay for You?
• Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails (Wakayama) – Ancient Spiritual Route
• Nakasendo Trail (Nagano-Gifu) – Edo-Period Hiking Between Old Towns
• Mount Takao (Tokyo) – Easy Day Hike With Temple Views
• Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku) – Japan’s Ultimate Pilgrimage Trail
• Mount Yoshino (Nara) – Best for Cherry Blossoms & Spiritual Vibes

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Why You Should Hike the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trail

The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of Japan’s most spiritual and rewarding hikes, offering a blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. This ancient pilgrimage route leads to Koyasan, the sacred heart of Shingon Buddhism and home to Okunoin, Japan’s most revered cemetery. Here’s why you should experience this unforgettable journey:

Walk in the Footsteps of Pilgrims

The Choishi Michi trail has been used by Buddhist monks and pilgrims for over 1,200 years. Hiking this trail lets you retrace their spiritual journey, following the original path laid out by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The trail is marked by choishi stone markers every 109 meters, guiding you through history and tradition.

A Serene Escape into Nature

Unlike the bustling cities of Japan, the Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is a peaceful retreat into dense cedar forests, rolling hills, and tranquil countryside. You’ll pass through bamboo groves, moss-covered paths, and misty landscapes, offering a chance to reconnect with nature. The fresh mountain air and scenic views make it an ideal hike for those looking to escape modern life.

Plan Your Pilgrimage with Ease:

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🏨 Via Trip.com: Discover top-rated stays and convenient travel options to make your pilgrimage seamless! Click here

A Journey Through Ancient Temples and Shrines

As you hike, you’ll encounter centuries-old temples, shrines, and stone lanterns hidden in the forest. These sacred spots provide a glimpse into Japan’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions. The final destination, Koyasan, is home to over 100 temples, including Kongobu-ji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Okunoin, where Kobo Daishi rests in eternal meditation.

A Moderately Challenging Yet Rewarding Hike

The Choishi Michi trail is about 23.5 km (14.6 miles) and takes 6-7 hours to complete. While it’s a long trek, the gradual ascent makes it manageable for most hikers. Plus, the journey is not just about the destination—it’s about immersing yourself in the experience of the hike itself.

A Less Crowded Alternative to Other Pilgrimage Trails

While routes like the Kumano Kodo or parts of the Nakasendo Trail attract many visitors, the Koyasan Choishi Michi trail remains relatively quiet. This means you can truly appreciate the spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty without the crowds.

A Unique Cultural Experience at Koyasan

• Completing the hike brings you to Koyasan, where you can:
• ✅ Stay in a Shukubo (temple lodging) and experience monastic life.
• ✅ Join morning meditation and fire ceremonies with monks.
• ✅ Try Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)—a delicious and unique dining experience.

If you’re looking for a hike that is physically rewarding, spiritually enriching, and historically significant, the Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is a must-do. It’s more than just a trail—it’s a journey through Japan’s cultural heritage, offering moments of peace, reflection, and discovery.

How to Get to the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trailhead

The trail starts at Kudoyama Station in Wakayama Prefecture and ends at Daimon Gate in Koyasan.

From Osaka to Kudoyama Station (Trailhead)

• 1️⃣ Take the Nankai Koya Line from Namba Station (Osaka) to Kudoyama Station (Approx. 60 minutes).
• 2️⃣ Once at Kudoyama, follow the signs to Jison-in Temple (about 15 minutes on foot). This is where the trail officially begins.

From Kyoto to Kudoyama Station

• 1️⃣ Take the JR Limited Express (Haruka) or Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station.
• 2️⃣ Transfer to the Midosuji Subway Line to reach Namba Station.
• 3️⃣ Take the Nankai Koya Line to Kudoyama Station.

Trail Overview & Difficulty

• Distance: 23.5 km (14.6 miles)
• Time Required: 6-7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (gradual ascent but long distance)
• Elevation Gain: 900 meters
• Trail Markers: Choishi stone markers every 109 meters guide your way.
• Final Destination: Daimon Gate (the grand entrance to Koyasan)

Alternative Routes

If the full 23.5 km hike feels too long, you can start from alternative points:

🚶 Halfway Start: From Kami-Kosawa Station (14 km, ~4 hours)

• Take the train one stop further to Kami-Kosawa Station and start from there.

🚶 Shorter Hike: From Koyasan Chōishi Michi Trail Entrance (7 km, ~2-3 hours)

• If you prefer a shorter trek, take the Nankai Koyasan Cable Car and start from Fudozaka-guchi Station.

What to Expect Along the Trail

Key Highlights Along the Way:

• 1️⃣ Jison-in Temple – Start your hike at this historical temple, which has a unique shrine dedicated to women’s safety and fertility.
• 2️⃣ Choishi Stone Markers – 180 stone pillars mark your journey, showing the distance remaining to Koyasan.
• 3️⃣ Forest Walks & Small Shrines – The trail winds through serene cedar forests, with moss-covered stones and hidden temples along the way.
• 4️⃣ Panoramic Viewpoints – About halfway through, you’ll see breathtaking views of Mount Koya’s surrounding mountains.
• 5️⃣ Daimon Gate (Final Point) – The massive wooden gate signals your arrival in Koyasan—a truly rewarding moment!

What to Pack for the Hike

• ✅ Hiking Shoes – The trail is well-marked but can be slippery in some areas.
• ✅ Lightweight Backpack – Carry only essentials to keep your load light.
• ✅ Water & Snacks – There are no shops along the trail, so bring at least 1.5L of water.
• ✅ Rain Jacket or Poncho – Weather in the mountains can change quickly.
• ✅ Layered Clothing – Mornings can be chilly, but you’ll warm up as you hike.
• ✅ Cash (Yen) – If you plan to stay overnight in Koyasan, some temples only accept cash.
• ✅ Headlamp (if starting early) – Parts of the trail can be dark in the morning.

Arriving in Koyasan: Where to Stay & What to Do

Stay in a Temple (Shukubo Experience)

After completing the hike, staying overnight in a temple lodge (Shukubo) is highly recommended. Some of the best options include:

• Eko-in Temple – Offers monk-led meditation and traditional Buddhist meals.
• Fukuchi-in Temple – Has hot spring baths (onsen) and stunning gardens.
• Rengejo-in Temple – Provides fire ceremonies and early morning prayers.

Things to Do in Koyasan After the Hike

• ✅ Explore Okunoin Cemetery – The most mystical and spiritual site in Japan, home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.
• ✅ Visit Kongobu-ji Temple – The head temple of Shingon Buddhism.
• ✅ Relax at a Café – After the long hike, enjoy matcha tea and local sweets in Koyasan’s cozy tea houses.

How to Get Back from Koyasan to Osaka/Kyoto

Returning by Train

• 1️⃣ Take the Nankai Cable Car from Koyasan Station to Gokurakubashi Station.
• 2️⃣ Transfer to the Nankai Koya Line and return to Namba Station (Osaka) (~90 min).
• 3️⃣ From Osaka, take the Shinkansen or JR Limited Express to Kyoto if needed.

💡 Final Tips for Hiking the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trail

• ✔️ Start early – Begin the hike around 7:00 AM to reach Koyasan by the afternoon.
• ✔️ Check the weather – Avoid hiking after heavy rain, as the trail can be muddy.
• ✔️ Respect temple rules – Koyasan is a sacred place, so follow etiquette, especially in temple lodgings.
• ✔️ Hike at your own pace – The trail is long but not too steep, so take breaks when needed.

Is This Hike Right for You?

• If you love:
• ✅ Nature and mountain scenery
• ✅ Spiritual and historical sites
• ✅ Off-the-beaten-path adventures
• ✅ A rewarding, peaceful hiking experience

Then YES—this hike is for you!

Where to Stay in Koyasan: Best Temple Lodgings (Shukubo) & Hotels

After hiking the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trail, staying overnight in Koyasan is a unique and spiritual experience. Here are the best temple lodgings (Shukubo) and hotels for an authentic stay:

Best Temple Stays in Koyasan (Shukubo Experience)

Staying in a temple lodging allows you to immerse yourself in monastic life, with opportunities to join meditation sessions, fire ceremonies, and traditional Buddhist meals (Shojin Ryori).

Eko-in Temple (恵光院) – Best Overall Shukubo

• ⭐ Why Stay Here?
• ✅ Morning meditation with monks
• ✅ Goma Fire Ceremony – A powerful ritual to clear negativity
• ✅ English-speaking monks and warm hospitality

• Price: ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 per person (includes dinner & breakfast)
• Location: Near Okunoin Cemetery

🔗 Book Here: Eko-in Temple

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Fukuchi-in Temple (福智院) – Best for Relaxation (With Onsen!)

• ⭐ Why Stay Here?
• ✅ Hot spring baths (Onsen) – Perfect for relaxing after a long hike
• ✅ Stunning Japanese gardens
• ✅ Traditional Tatami rooms with futons

• Price: ¥18,000 – ¥30,000 per person (includes meals)
• Location: Close to Kongobu-ji Temple

🔗 Book Here: Fukuchi-in Temple

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Rengejo-in Temple (蓮華定院) – Best for Spiritual Atmosphere

Why Stay Here?

• ✅ Participate in morning prayers and chanting
• ✅ Fire ceremony and monk-led Zazen meditation
• ✅ Peaceful and quiet ambiance

• Price: ¥12,000 – ¥22,000 per person (includes meals)
• Location: Short walk from Koyasan Station

🔗 Book Here: Available on WayAway.io and Trip.com

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Best Hotels & Guesthouses in Koyasan (Non-Temple Stays)

If you prefer modern comforts, Koyasan also has a few guesthouses and ryokans.

Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu – Best Budget Stay

• 💰 Price: ¥6,000 – ¥8,000 per night
• ✅ Cozy capsule-style rooms
• ✅ Café & bar with vegetarian meals
• ✅ Great for solo travelers & backpackers

🔗 Book Here: Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu

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2️⃣ Koyasan Shukubo Sekishoin – Best Mid-Range Option

• 💰 Price: ¥10,000 – ¥18,000 per night
• ✅ Traditional Tatami rooms with private baths
• ✅ Beautiful temple gardens
• ✅ Easy access to key attractions

🔗 Book Here: Available on WayAway.io

Final Thoughts: Best Stay for You?

• ✔️ Want the full temple experience? → Stay at Eko-in or Fukuchi-in
• ✔️ Prefer a more relaxed stay with an onsen? → Fukuchi-in Temple
• ✔️ On a budget? → Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu

More Hiking Trails in Japan for Spiritual & Nature Lovers

If you enjoyed the Koyasan Choishi Michi Trail, there are many other incredible hikes in Japan that blend nature, history, and spirituality. Here are some of the best ones:

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trails (Wakayama) – Ancient Spiritual Route

Why Hike Here?

• ✅ One of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrimage routes in the world (along with the Camino de Santiago)
• ✅ Trails pass through mystical forests, ancient shrines, and mountain villages
• ✅ Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha, home to Japan’s tallest waterfall
• Best Route: Nakahechi Route (4-5 Days, 70km)
• Start in Tanabe → End at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

Nakasendo Trail (Nagano-Gifu) – Edo-Period Hiking Between Old Towns

Why Hike Here?

• ✅ Follow a historic samurai road connecting Tokyo & Kyoto
• ✅ Walk through preserved Edo-period post towns like Magome, Tsumago, and Narai
• ✅ Easy & beginner-friendly (Well-maintained paths, scenic and cultural experience)
• Best Route: Magome to Tsumago (8km, ~3 hours, easy)
• Start in Magome → End in Tsumago (Can continue to Narai)

Mount Takao (Tokyo) – Easy Day Hike With Temple Views

Why Hike Here?

• ✅ Only 1 hour from Tokyo, perfect for a day trip
• ✅ Visit Yakuoin Temple, a sacred Buddhist site on the mountain
• ✅ Panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days
• Best Route: Trail #1 (3.8km, ~90 minutes one-way, easy)
• Start at Takaosanguchi Station → Summit → Return or explore side trails

Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage (Shikoku) – Japan’s Ultimate Pilgrimage Trail

Why Hike Here?

• ✅ One of the world’s longest and most sacred pilgrimage routes
• ✅ Connects 88 Buddhist temples across the island of Shikoku
• ✅ Can hike the full 1,200km route or shorter sections

Best Section for Shorter Pilgrims:

• Temple 1 to Temple 10 (Tokushima Prefecture, ~30km, 1-2 days)

Mount Yoshino (Nara) – Best for Cherry Blossoms & Spiritual Vibes

Why Hike Here?

• ✅ Famous for 30,000 cherry trees (Best in April)
• ✅ Home to Yoshino Mikumari Shrine and Kinpusen-ji Temple
• ✅ Easy access from Osaka & Nara
• Best Route: Hike from Yoshino Station to Yoshino Summit (~3-4 hours round trip)
• Start at Yoshino Station → Walk past temples & viewpoints → Return

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If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message! Read my other posts about Japan for more Japan travel inspiration!

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