The strict ascetic training ground of Koyasan has prohibited women from entering the territory since its foundation. However, women’s desire to draw even a little closer to the Pure Land of Koya was so fervent that women’s temples were built as retreats at each of seven entrances to Koyasan. Women, who found themselves unable to enter Koyasan because of the ban, would circle from peak to peak along the Koyasan mountain ridge and worship there towards the Great Konpon Pagoda and the Okuno-in Mausoleum in the distance.The precipitous mountain path thus created is known as the Noyonin-michi. It was only towards the end of the Meiji era (1868~1912) that the ban was completely lifted.
Contact us!