The section from Hashimoto to Gokurakubashi and the Koyasan Cable is named the "Koya Flower Railway" (こうや花鉄道) by operating a sightseeing train "Tenku".

The Koya Railway opened the Shiomibashi to Sayama section between 1898 and 1900, and extended the line to Kawachinagano in 1902.

The Kawachinagano - Mikkaichicho section opened in 1914, and the line was extended to Hashimoto the following year.

In 1922, the company merged with Nankai, and the Hashimoto to Gokurakubashi section opened in 1929.

The line voltage was increased to 1,500 V DC in 1973, and the following year, double-tracking reached Mikkaichicho, and Hashimoto in 1995.