On the first day, I will travel from Osaka to Koyasan. Here are the directions that I found online. Although there are other ways of getting there and specific train schedules will dictate when I leave.
- From Dotonbori, make your way to Osaka Station. You can take the subway or a taxi to get there.
- From Osaka Station, take the Nankai Main Line to Gokurakubashi. The train journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- From Gokurakubashi, take the cable car or bus to Koyasan. The cable car ride takes about 10 minutes, while the bus ride takes about 20 minutes.
Rather than step three, I might also begin my hiking and walk the Choishi Michi. “Choishi Michi” is the name of a walking path that leads from the town of Gokurakubashi to Koyasan, a Buddhist temple town located on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The Choishi Michi route is a popular way to reach Koyasan, and it takes about 2-3 hours to walk the entire path. The route is marked by stone markers with the characters “Choishi Michi” inscribed on them. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful forests and temples, and you can also enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Koya.
The Choishi Michi route has a long history, dating back to the 9th century when Koyasan was founded by the monk Kukai. According to legend, Kukai received a divine revelation on Mount Koya and founded a temple there, which became the center of the Shingon sect of Buddhism in Japan. The Choishi Michi route was created to provide a way for pilgrims and priests to reach Koyasan and visit the temples there.
Over the centuries, the Choishi Michi route has undergone many changes and improvements, but it remains a popular way to reach Koyasan. Today, the route is a popular destination for hikers and tourists who want to experience the natural beauty of Mount Koya and learn about the history and culture of Japan.
Phrase of the Day:
“Choishi Michi e ikitai tokoro wa doko desu ka?”
“ちょいしみちへいきたいところはどこですか？”
“長石道へ行きたいところはどこですか？”
This translates to: “Where is the place I want to go to Choishi Michi?”
Alternatively, you can also ask:
“Choishi Michi wa doko ni arimasu ka?”
“ちょいしみちはどこにありますか？”
“長石道はどこにありますか？”
This translates to: “Where is Choishi Michi located?”