Advice on Okunoin in Koyasan

I appreciate some advice on my walking trail to Okunoin in Koyasan.

I will reach Koyasan around 1pm. After dropping my luggage at a temple near Rengedani bus-stop, I intend to visit the Torodo & Gokusho Offering Hall in Okunoin.

I read that there are 2 paths which lead to these 2 places.

Given that I have to return to the temple for dinner at 5pm, shoudl i start walking from Ichinohashi Bridge to the 2 sites and return via a bus at Okunoin-mae or the other way round?

Thank you.

As Koyasan is not that large and has a reasonable number of buses, I'd suggest walking the long way to the main temple and the short way back. It should only take 2 or so hours to get back to where you need to get to....

Hi
Really appreciate your advice.
The buses are not that frequent and I hate to watch the schedule.
If walking to (long way) and fro (short way) can be completed say within 2.5hrs, then I can easily return in time for the dinner.
Thank you.

Hi mfedley,
Just found your post on Okunoin.
http://www.japan-guide.com/community/mfedley/report-985
I must say it is very formative and helpful to any tourist who wants to visit this place.
I read your post on Miyajima and others too.
Thanks.