Koyasancho Stone Path

The Koyasan Choishi-michi (Townstone Path) is one of the seven mountain approaches to Koyasan ("Koya Shichiguchi Kaido"), a path of faith used since Kukai (Kobo Daishi) founded Koyasan. It is registered as part of the "Koyasan Pilgrimage Routes" component assets within the World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." "Choishi" are five-ring pagoda-shaped stone markers derived from sotoba (stupas) established by Kukai; each is carved with a number and sacred Sanskrit characters representing Buddhist deities. There are options such as a more general "shortened course" and a more advanced "model course," allowing you to choose based on your fitness and schedule. The "shortened course" starts from Nankai Koya Line "Kii-Hosokawa Station" and includes visiting key sites like the "Daimon" gate and Danjo Garan’s "Konpon Daito," central to Shingon esoteric Buddhist thought. The "model course" begins at "Kudoyama Station" and can include visiting "Sanada-an" (a temple built on the former Sanada family residence site) and crossing several mountain passes such as "Roppongi-toge" and "Kasagi-toge," offering a more serious mountain-walking experience. It’s a refreshing journey that lets you absorb both sightseeing and the region’s great natural environment.