Danjo Garan

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Danjo Garan

The heart of Koyasan faiths with towers and halls which represent Mandara’s world view.

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Kongobu-ji on Koyasan is the head temple of Shingon Sect, spreading on the mountain top at 900m-high. When Reverend Kobo opened Koyasan, the first place he worked on was Danjo Garan. Garan means “a quiet place monks gather and train.” Along with “Okunoin” where Reverend Kobo rests in peace, this Danjo Garan is one of the two central places of faith at Koyasan.

In 2015, commemorating Koyasan’s 1200th anniversary, the middle gate was reconstructed. Beyond the gate, the “Golden Hall” stands which is the main hall of the entire Koyasan and Yakushi Nyorai statue is hidden there. On the premises, there are 48.5m-tall vermilion Konpon Daito stands glamorous, which is Japan’s first two-layer pagoda. Across from Konpon Daito, Mie-do in the middle, West Pagoda is located along with 19 other towers and halls. They are the 3-D representation of Mandara’s worldview based on the Esoteric Buddhism concept. Since all halls were built with meanings, the proper manner of worship is to keep your right shoulder toward the Golden Hall where the Buddha statue is and visit halls clockwise.

Highlights

  • Along with “Okunoin,” one of the two major holy places on Koyasan.
  • Towers and halls represent Mandara’s world view.
  • Vermilion Konpon Daito is like the symbol of Koyasan.
  • Garan means “a quiet place monks gather and train.”

Photos

  • Konpon Daito’s vermilion exterior stands out

    Konpon Daito’s vermilion exterior stands out

  • Golden Hall, the heart of Koyasan

    Golden Hall, the heart of Koyasan

  • The middle gate standing in front of Golden Hall

    The middle gate standing in front of Golden Hall

  • Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine) with an episode of Reverend Kobo

    Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine) with an episode of Reverend Kobo

  • West Pagoda was paired with Konpon Daito in the construction plan

    West Pagoda was paired with Konpon Daito in the construction plan

  • The bell in the Daito Tower is still used to tell the time to the community

    The bell in the Daito Tower is still used to tell the time to the community

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

English pamphlets available.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?

A

Yes, Konpon Daito and Golden Hall each has it. But receive the stamps at the temple office.

Q

Is parking available?

A

There is a parking in front of the middle gate, but only for a dozen or so cars.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

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Details

Name in Japanese
壇上伽藍
Postal Code
648-0211
Address
132 Koyasan, Koyacho, Itogun, Wakayama
Telephone
0736-56-2011 (Kongobuji)
Closed
Open every day
Hours
8:30am - 5:00pm(Admission allowed until 4:30apm)
Admission
Golden Hall / Konpon Daito: Middle schooler and older 500 yen, Elementary schooler and younger: Free
Directions
From Nankai Koya Line’s Koyasan Station, get on Nankai Rinkan Bus, get off at “Senjuin” Stop, and walk 4 min.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)