Kongobuji Temple in Koyasan

Kongobuji Temple, or the Temple of the Diamond Mountain, is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, brought to Japan by Kobo Daishi in 805. The name Kongobuji originally referred to the entire Koyasan complex, but in 1593 Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered a new temple built in memory of his mother. In 1868 the temple was merged with another and named Kongobuji, though even today the term is understood to apply in a broader sense to all of Koyasan and its temples.

The Main Gate to Kongobuji dates from the 1593 construction. In the past only the Emperor, nobles and head abbots were permitted to pass through the gate. Others used a smaller entrance, set off to the right. As you enter the Kongobuji complex, you’ll come face to face with the Main Hall.

The Main Hall was rebuilt in 1861, but contains elements of the earlier Hall. Most notable are the beautiful sliding doors decorated with graceful designs of cranes and twisting trees by members of Kyoto’s famous Kano School of painters. The Hall also contains the Shoin Jodan-no-ma, a guest room for Emperors and visiting dignitaries whose walls are covered in gold leaf. Today, as in the past, the Main Hall is where many of Kongobuji’s most important ceremonies are performed.

Kongobuji’s Banryu-tei is the largest rock garden in Japan, with 140 stones set in white sand, representing twin dragons emerging in flight from a bank of clouds. There is also a beautiful conventional garden within the temple grounds. Other buildings include a fire ritual hall, teahouse, belfry and meditation hall, among others.

Koyasan’s Shingon Sect is closely related to Tibet’s esoteric Buddhism, and like older forms of Christianity attempts to harness the senses through ritualized sounds, scents, color and more. The effect can be overwhelming, slightly garish and deeply moving all at once. Be sure to take the time to fully explore Kongobuji. There’s a lot here, and it’s probably best to focus on one thing at a time, rather than trying to take it all in a rush before you hurry along to the next point on the map. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts.

Matt Mangham

132 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Gokuraku-bashi Station of Nankai Koya Line===(5 min. by Nankai Koya Cable Car)===Koyasan station===(12 min. by Nankai Rinkan Bus)===Kongobuji Temple

Open Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., (Last entry: 4:30 p.m.)

Adult: 500 yen
Elementary school student: 200 yen

Kongobuji Temple Official Website: http://www.koyasan.or.jp/english/index.html