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Kongobuji temple

Travel Information

Kongobuji temple(金剛峯寺) is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism located on Mt. Koya.
It was established in 816 by Priest Kukai who brought Mikkyo, Vajrayana to Japan. Mt. Koya is surrounded by 1,000m high mountains and Koyasan itself is over 800m high. Priest Kukai studied Mikkyo in China and came back to Japan in 806. He was given the land of Koyasan from Emperor Saga and established the temple. Kongobuji was used to be the name of all Koyasan named by Priest Kukao. In 1869, two temple unified and became Kongobuji as the head of Shingon Buddhism. Today, it is the head of about 3,000 temples and 10,000,000 followers and monks. The current hall was constructed in 1863. It is registered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitor's Info.
There are parking and restroom.
Admission: 500 yen for adult, 200 yen for elementary school.Kids free.
Time: 8:30 to 17:00 (last entry is 16:30).
Manners: Take off your hat and sunglasses. No pictures.

Access
0. at Koyasan Stataion
1. use local bus to Kongobujimae.


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Map around Kongobuji temple

Detailed Travel Guide

Kongobuji temple

Kongobu-ji is the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism located Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. Kongobu-ji is the name of the entire mountain of Koyasan. The current building was used to be Seiganji temple, but in eary Meiji era, Seiganji and Kouzanji marged and changed its name to Kongobuji as the head of all Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. The current building was constructed in 1863.

The gate
Constructed in 1593.

Shoro
The bell tower constructed in 1864.

Ohiroma and Jibutsuma room.
Ceremony Room with many painting. Some of the painting was drawn in late 15th century.

Banryutei Garden
The largest Stone style garden in Japan. White stones represent the sky cloud and 2 dragons protects the deep temple.

Shoinjodan Room
Olde reception room for the emperor.

Official Web site: http://www.koyasan.or.jp/kongobuji/