Itinerary: Temples 1-23
Many pilgrims begin and complete the journey by visiting Mount Kōya in Wakayama Prefecture, which was settled by Kūkai and remains the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. We may do the same. If so, it should add a day or two to the beginning and end of the itinerary. The itinerary below starts at Temple 1 and does not include Mt. Koya.
Day 1: Temple #1 Ryōzenji (霊山寺) - Temple #6 Anrakuji (安楽寺) 15.9 km or 9.9 miles
Day 2: Temple #6 Anrakuji (安楽寺) - Temple #11 Fujiidera (藤井寺) 21.6 km or 13.4 miles
Day 3: Temple #11 to Fujiidera (藤井寺) - Temple #12 Shōzanji (焼山寺) 13 km or 8.1 miles
Day 4: Temple #12 Shōzanji (焼山寺) - Temple #13 Dainichiji (大日寺) 27 km or 16.8 miles
Day 5: Temple #13 Dainichiji (大日寺) - Temple #17 Idoji (井戸寺) 7.6 km or 4.7 miles
Partly a rest day, partly a tourist day.
Day 6: Temple #17 Idoji (井戸寺) - Temple #18 Onzanji (恩山寺) 19.1 km or 11.9 miles
Day 7: Temple #18 Onzanji (恩山寺) - Temple #20 Kakurinji (鶴林寺) 18.1 km or 11.3 miles
Day 8: Temple # 20 Kakurinji (鶴林寺) - Temple #22 Byōdōji (平等寺) 18 km or 11.2 miles
Day 9: Temple #22 Byōdōji (平等寺) - Temple #23 Yakuōji (薬王寺) 20.7 km or 12.9 miles