22km
From Namba, get on the Nankai line towards Koya-san and get off a few stations before Koya-san at Kudoyama station. From here ask for directions to walk through the city to get the one km to Jison-jin, the temple at the base of the trail. From here the trail is well marked, hence the name, and you will see a large stone marker approximately every 109 meters, the measurement of “cho,” the same “cho” that is used for your address if you live in Japan. The beginning of the trail will pass through hot, unshaded persimmon and mikan orchards, but soon
the trail will enter the woods, and stay there until it reaches the Daimon (great gate) of Koyasan. If you hate the idea of taking trams to the top of holy mountains, this trail is for you. It makes for a long day. Of course, the tram is already there, so it makes for an easy way to get back to Osaka in the evening. Alternatively, Koya-san has hundreds of charming dwellings to spend the night in.http://www.katuragi.or.jp/tyouisimiti/e-gaidosimasyou.htm
http://kanko.wiwi.co.jp/world/english/history/worship.html