The "women pilgrims route" is a 17-kilometer trail that stretches around the perimeter of Koyasan, Japan's most spiritual temple complex.
Koyasan's women pilgrims route —
The "women pilgrims route" is a 17-kilometer trail that stretches around the perimeter of Koyasan, Japan's most spiritual temple complex.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Prior to 1872, women were banned from entering Koyasan. The trail starts on the outskirts of the town at Fudozaka-guchi Nyonindo, one of seven "women's halls" built to accommodate female pilgrims. It's the only one still standing.
Fudozaka-guchi Nyonindo —
Prior to 1872, women were banned from entering Koyasan. The trail starts on the outskirts of the town at Fudozaka-guchi Nyonindo, one of seven "women's halls" built to accommodate female pilgrims. It's the only one still standing.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Nowadays women can experience Koyasan but the quiet trail, filled with dense forests and crumbling deities, is still worth hiking.
Ancient deities —
Nowadays women can experience Koyasan but the quiet trail, filled with dense forests and crumbling deities, is still worth hiking.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The trail passes the sacred Daimon Gate, which is over 25 meters high and marks the main entrance to Koyasan.
Daimon Gate —
The trail passes the sacred Daimon Gate, which is over 25 meters high and marks the main entrance to Koyasan.
JNTO
The women pilgrimage route passes the entrance of Okunoin, home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi and what must be one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. Its cobblestone trail, lined with ancient cedar tress, is filled with more than 200,000 gravestones and memorials.
Okunoin —
The women pilgrimage route passes the entrance of Okunoin, home to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi and what must be one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. Its cobblestone trail, lined with ancient cedar tress, is filled with more than 200,000 gravestones and memorials.
JNTO
Though there are a few steep sections, the trail is relatively easy to hike.
Moderately easy —
Though there are a few steep sections, the trail is relatively easy to hike.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The forests of Koyasan feature cedar, hinoki cypress, umbrella pine, red pine, fir and southern hemlock trees.
Diverse flora —
The forests of Koyasan feature cedar, hinoki cypress, umbrella pine, red pine, fir and southern hemlock trees.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The trails are simple to navigate. Well-marked signs in Japanese and English can be found throughout the route.
Well-marked trails —
The trails are simple to navigate. Well-marked signs in Japanese and English can be found throughout the route.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Of Koyasan's 117 temples, there are more than 50 that allow overnight guests. Henjoko-in Temple, pictured, has 35 guest rooms, gardens and a prayer hall.
Henjoko-in —
Of Koyasan's 117 temples, there are more than 50 that allow overnight guests. Henjoko-in Temple, pictured, has 35 guest rooms, gardens and a prayer hall.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Temple meals are served in traditional Japanese dining rooms, where guests are seated on pillows on the floor. All the food is shojin ryori (vegan Buddhist cuisine).
Shojin ryori —
Temple meals are served in traditional Japanese dining rooms, where guests are seated on pillows on the floor. All the food is shojin ryori (vegan Buddhist cuisine).
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Every morning at Shojoshin-in Temple's prayer hall, the head priest leads morning prayers, which guests are invited to attend.
Shojoshin-in Temple —
Every morning at Shojoshin-in Temple's prayer hall, the head priest leads morning prayers, which guests are invited to attend.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
Rengejo-in Temple has 48 guests rooms and a large zen garden near the entrance.
Rengejo-in Temple —
Rengejo-in Temple has 48 guests rooms and a large zen garden near the entrance.
CNN
Many of the guest rooms at Koyasan's temples are centered around a lush, green garden.
Rengejo-in Temple —
Many of the guest rooms at Koyasan's temples are centered around a lush, green garden.
Pongpat Patumsuwon/CNN
The temples' private Japanese-style guest rooms vary in price according to size and views. All rooms feature comfortable futon beds, which are rolled out at night onto tatami floors.
Simple, comfortable rooms —
The temples' private Japanese-style guest rooms vary in price according to size and views. All rooms feature comfortable futon beds, which are rolled out at night onto tatami floors.
CNN