Kongobu-ji Temple

The main gate of Kongobuji Temple is the first gate you pass through when heading from the Kongobuji Temple front parking lot to the temple grounds. It was once a sacred gate that only allowed the emperor, imperial family, and high-ranking officials of Koyasan to pass through. Considering its history and prestige, you can visit with a dignified feeling and a straight back. The main gate was built in 1593, during the Bunroku era, and is the oldest building in Kongobuji Temple. There is a small door on the right side of the entrance that is still used by ordinary monks. As you pass through the main gate, you will feel the weight of history and a sacred atmosphere. Please come and experience the splendor and solemn atmosphere of Kongobuji Temple by passing through the main gate.

At Kongobuji Temple's Daidokoro and Mochibukuro, you can't miss the magnificent sliding door paintings. In the Daidokoro, there are paintings of a flock of cranes and pine trees, said to be the work of Saito Toshimune, a disciple of Kumo Togai who was active in the early Edo period. These paintings are located in a place where important rituals and services such as the Joraku-e in February and the Bussho-e in April are held. In addition, the Ume no Ma features a painting of a plum tree and flowing water by Kano Tan'yu Saishin, while the Yanagi no Ma features a painting of a willow and a heron by Yamamoto Tansai, both of which have an overwhelming presence. In particular, the Yanagi no Ma is also known as the "Hideyoshi Hachijuji Jibun no Ma," as it is the place where Hideyoshi committed suicide, and is a place of interest for lovers of the Warring States period. Furthermore, the Irori no Ma and the Cha no Ma feature shoji screens painted by Hiroshi Senju, a Japanese painter who is active worldwide, which were dedicated and made available to the public in 2020. These sliding door paintings are valuable works of art that allow you to feel the history and culture of Kongobuji Temple. When you visit, be sure not to miss them and enjoy their beauty!

The Banryu-tei Garden at Kongobu-ji Temple is a 2,340 square meter stone garden that spreads to the north of the Shinbetsuden Hall, and is the largest garden in Japan. This garden was created during the 1150th anniversary of the death of Kobo Daishi, and in the autumn, it delights visitors as a famous spot for autumn leaves. The Banryu-tei Garden is characterized by the expression of a sea of clouds using Kyoto's Shirakawa sand. On top of this sea of clouds, male and female dragons made of granite from Shikoku float. When viewed from the separate hall, the female and male dragons facing each other in the foreground create a design that seems to be guarding the inner hall. The Banryu-tei Garden impresses visitors with its magnificent scale and beautiful expression of dragons. The presence of the dragons and the beauty of the entire garden are in harmony, allowing you to calm your mind in the serene atmosphere. When visiting Kongobu-ji Temple, be sure to visit the Banryu-tei Garden and enjoy its powerful scenery!

Newbetsuden is a building connected to the main hall of Kongobuji Temple by a corridor. It was newly established as a reception area for many visitors during the 1150th anniversary of the death of Kobo Daishi and the Great Memorial Service in 1984. The building consists of two rooms, one with 91 tatami mats and the other with 78 tatami mats, which can be combined into a large hall of 169 tatami mats by removing the partitions. Normally, it can be used as a resting place where you can relax and have tea. Buddhist sermons are also held by the priests from time to time, allowing you to listen to the sermon while calming your mind. Newbetsuden functions as a place of hospitality for visitors to Kongobuji Temple. With its spacious and calm atmosphere, it is used as a place to heal the fatigue of visitors. When you visit, why not take a break at Newbetsuden and spend some time relaxing your mind and body?

The courtyard of Kongobuji Temple is located in front of the Upper Hall and is a garden where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Koya in all four seasons. This garden was created during the Edo period and six types of trees (cedar, cypress, pine, oak, birch, and fir) symbolizing Mount Koya are planted around the pond. In spring, the rhododendrons bloom beautifully, and in early summer, the cries of the Moriaogaeru, a natural monument, echo throughout the garden. In autumn, the garden is dyed red with autumn leaves, and in winter, it becomes a silver world covered in snow. The courtyard, which shows a different expression in each season, never bores visitors and allows them to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The courtyard is a place of tranquility and elegance, where you can calm your mind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of Mount Koya while watching the garden change with the seasons. Please take a peaceful moment in the courtyard when you visit!