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The heart of Koyasan faiths with towers and halls which represent Mandara’s world view.
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.
Konpon Daito’s vermilion exterior stands out
Golden Hall, the heart of Koyasan
The middle gate standing in front of Golden Hall
Sanko no Matsu (Trident Pine) with an episode of Reverend Kobo
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
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)
English pamphlets available.
Q
Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
Yes, Konpon Daito and Golden Hall each has it. But receive the stamps at the temple office.
Q
Is parking available?
There is a parking in front of the middle gate, but only for a dozen or so cars.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
