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The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.
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 Koyasan 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.
The grounds are 39-acre wide
Kondo, the main hall of Mt. Koya
The big gate at the entrance to Mt. Koya
The portrait of Reverend Kobo
Okunoin, the center of Mt. Koya faith
The big tower
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Within Mount Koya, the 'Gobyo' is considered a sacred area and is located in Okunoin. It's believed that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) entered eternal meditation here over 1,200 years ago and is still alive, praying for peace and happiness for all. There's a ritual called 'Shojingu' that has continued unbroken for 1,200 years, where meals are delivered to Kobo Daishi twice daily by monks. The ritual starts at the Gokusho, passes by the Ajimi Jizo statue for a taste test, crosses the Gobyo Bridge, and finally reaches the Gobyo. You can take photos up to the bridge. Experiencing this in the quiet morning air is truly special, and if you're staying on Mount Koya, I highly recommend going early to witness it. No reservation is needed—just head to the Gokusho. Please remember to be respectful, as this is a sacred ceremony.
Just sitting here quietly and taking in the view feels really relaxing. They even offer free hot tea and rice crackers for visitors to enjoy.
The temple grounds are huge! Walking around feels really relaxing and peaceful. The Japanese rock garden is beautiful—definitely worth a visit.
