Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United States
Greenland
Mexico
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Temple · Koya, Wakayama
Kongōbu-ji
Head temple of the Shingon school of Koyasan, with sliding-door rooms painted by the Kano school and the Banryutei, one of the largest rock gardens in Japan, representing two dragons among clouds.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Kongōbu-ji in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Kongōbu-ji
Kongobu-ji is Koyasan’s main temple and the headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon school, which oversees thousands of temples across Japan. Kukai used the name to refer to the whole mountain; the present temple arose in the late 19th century from the merger of two temples associated with the Toyotomi clan, one of them built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in memory of his mother. The main hall, rebuilt in 1863, is one of the largest wooden temple buildings on the mountain.
The visit follows long wooden corridors and tatami rooms with sliding doors painted by artists of the Kano school, showing herons, willows and the four seasons. The Yanagi-no-ma, the willow room, is known for the story of Toyotomi Hidetsugu, Hideyoshi’s nephew, who committed ritual suicide there in 1595. The old kitchen, with large rice cauldrons, reveals the scale of monastic life.
The Banryutei is one of the largest rock gardens in Japan, about 2,340 square meters. It represents a pair of dragons rising from a sea of clouds to protect the temple: the 140 granite stones came from Shikoku, Kukai’s birthplace, and the white sand was brought from Kyoto.
At the end of the visit, tea and a sweet are usually served in a large hall. The temple is part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range World Heritage site and hosts school ceremonies throughout the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning or mid‑afternoon, outside group tour times. In November, the courtyard trees usually change color. Check opening times, which can change on ceremony days.
How to get there
In central Koyasan, at the Kongobuji‑mae bus stop, a few minutes’ walk from Danjo Garan.
Tip
Follow the route indicated by the corridors and reserve time to sit facing the Banryutei. Wear socks: the visit is done barefoot on cold wood.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kongōbu-ji
What is Kongobu‑ji’s Banryutei?
A rock garden of about 2,340 square meters, one of the largest in Japan, representing two dragons among clouds. The granite stones came from Shikoku.
Is there an admission fee for Kongobu‑ji?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the interior; check the current rate. It usually includes tea and a sweet at the end of the visit.
Is Kongobu‑ji Koyasan’s main temple?
Yes, it is the headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon school and administers the mountain’s temples.
Does Kongobu‑ji accept overnight guests?
No. Overnight stays in Koyasan are offered at other temples with shukubo along the main street.
Beyond the guide
