Kongobuji

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Kongobuji

The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.

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One of the holy Buddhist places opened by Reverend Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. The whole Mt. Koya above 800m-sea-level is the premises. With the main Kondo hall at the center, 117 sub-temples are built. Kongobuji temple’s roof is made of layers of cedar bark and a wooden water barrel is placed on the roof in case of fire.

From the public entrance, walk into a large hall with sliding doors that depict crane birds and pine trees. From there, walk to the Plum Room, and then Willow Room with beautiful sliding doors said to be painted by Kano Tansai. Move on through the hallway into the separate structure, you will see the biggest stone garden in Japan, Banryu Tei. The granite depicting a dragon is said to have been brought from Shikoku, the birthplace of Kukai. The important cultural property, the main hall, is 60m from east to west and 70m north to south. The grandeur is overwhelming. You can see the elegant paintings of waterfalls and cliffs dedicated by the Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju.

While you are at Mt. Koya, stop by at Reihokan Museum to see Buddhism paintings, valuable Buddha statues, and information on Kongobuji’s history and traditions.

On the vast temple grounds, which is the whole mountain, there are Danjo Garan, Okunoin and other tourist spots and historical sites. Wear comfortable shoes, plan your route ahead of time, and visit the premises. There are also places to try hand-copying sutra or attending lectures/ceremonies.

Highlights

  • The holy place for Japanese Buddhism was opened by Reverend Kobo.
  • Valuable information, historical sites and tourism spots dot the grounds.
  • Mt. Koya Reihokan Museum has many exceptional cultural assets.

Photos

  • The grounds are 39-acre wide

    The grounds are 39-acre wide

  • Kondo, the main hall of Mt. Koya

    Kondo, the main hall of Mt. Koya

  • The big gate at the entrance to Mt. Koya

    The big gate at the entrance to Mt. Koya

  • The portrait of Reverend Kobo

    The portrait of Reverend Kobo

  • Okunoin, the center of Mt. Koya faith

    Okunoin, the center of Mt. Koya faith

  • The big tower

    The big tower

Reviews

3
  • Top Reviewer

    Yoidore-Unagi Top Reviewer

    Working at Travel Publishing

    高野山のなかでも聖域とされている「御廟」が、山内の奥之院にあります。空海(弘法大師)が今から1200年以上前にこの御廟で永遠の瞑想に入ったとされています。人々の平和と幸福を祈るために今もなお、ここで生きていると信じられています。1200年の間、絶えることなく続けられている儀式に「生身供(しょうじんぐ)」というものがあります。これは、御廟で瞑想を続ける空海に食事を届ける儀式です。毎朝6時と10時30分の1日2回、僧侶によって運ばれます。「御供所(ごくしょ)」からはじまり、「嘗試地蔵(あじみじぞう)」という地蔵尊に味見をしてもらい、御廟橋を渡り、御廟へと届けられます。写真撮影が可能なのは、この御廟橋の手前までです。朝の静謐な空気のなかで、1200年続いてきた空海への思いと信仰の深さを目の当たりにできる貴重な経験となるはずなので、高野山に宿泊する方は早朝、出かけてみてはいかがでしょう。予約等は不要で、御供所に行けば見ることができますが、聖なる儀式ですので節度をもって見学することをおすすめします。

  • 柯銘傑

    靜靜的坐著欣賞就覺得很舒服,還有提供免費的熱茶米果供人享用。

  • Maki

    寺廟的範圍超級大,走起來很悠閑很寧靜,枯山水日式庭園環境相當優美很值得參觀。

Details

Name in Japanese
金剛峯寺
Postal Code
648-0211
Address
132 Koyasan, Koyacho, Itogun, Wakayama
Telephone
0736-56-2011
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
8:30am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
Adult (Middle schooler and older) 1,000 yen, Elementary children 300 yen, Ticket for multiple halls: Adult 2,500 yen
Directions
From Nankai Koya Line, Gourakubashi Station, ride Nankai Koyasan Cable for 10 min.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)