Round Trip of Koya-sanzan, the Sacred Sites of Shingon Buddhism

Generally, from the monument of Koya-Sanzan Route, one goes around the three mountains counterclockwise to Mt. Mani, Mt. Yoryu, and Mt. Tenjiku. Start from the Okunoin-mae bus stop at the Nakanohashi approach entrance.

Proceeding along the approach lined with relatively new tombstones, you will arrive at Gobyo Bridge. Beyond the bridge is the most sacred place in Koyasan, where the mausoleum of Kukai (Kobo Daishi) is enshrined. To the right of Gobyo Bridge, next to the Mizumuke Jizo statue, there is a stone monument of Koya-Sanzan route. Koya-Sanzan trek begins from the right of it towards Okunoin Pass.

A short trek from Okunoin Pass will take you to the summit of Mt. Mani, and after visiting Nyoirin Kannon, head for the next mountain, Mt. Yoryu. After a gentle ups and downs, climb a steep slope and reach Mt. Yoryu, the highest peak of “Koya-Sanzan”.

Descend again to Kotsuki Pass. The road on the right is Kurokomichi, and from here go down the road along Hirotani on the left. It's an open road through pampas grass fields. Cross the road at the Ipponsugi junction and start climbing the third mountain, Mt. Tenjiku. Mountaintop is surrounded by cedar forests, and the Bodhisattva Maitreya is enshrined here. Descend to the rhododendron garden, pass through Nakanohashi cemetery, and enter Okunoin approach. The approach path, lined with old cedar trees, is cool even in summer, giving off a solemn atmosphere. If you turn right just before the Nakanobashi Bridge, you will arrive at Okunoin-mae bus stop soon.