Koyasan Guide Map

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This is the first place that Kobo Daishi worked on when he founded Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi himself stepped on this land and devoted his energy to building towers and halls based on esoteric Buddhist thought. It is said that the Danjo Garan represents the world of the Taizō Mandala (Womb Realm Mandala). When considering the entirety of Mount Koya as a temple called Kongobu-ji, this site forms the core of its precincts. Alongside Okunoin, where Kobo Daishi is believed to have entered eternal meditation, it has been cherished as a central place of faith since ancient times. The sequence for visiting the various halls from here follows the order established in the traditional Koyasan guide, "Ryodan Nyo-do Shidai". Official websitehttps://www.koyasan .or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran

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The last bridge on the approach to the mausoleum. Surrounded by a solemn atmosphere, crossing this bridge signifies stepping into the sacred area. It is customary to adjust your attire and bow before crossing. The bridge consists of 36 planks, and when including the entire bridge, it totals 37, symbolizing the 37 deities of the Diamond Realm Mandala (Kongokai). Furthermore, the undersides of the planks represent 36 deities, inscribed in Sanskrit characters.

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This facility, equivalent to a museum, was established in 1921 (Taisho 10) with the purpose of preserving and managing the cultural heritage of Mount Koya, including valuable Buddhist paintings, statues, and other artifacts, particularly those related to Kongobu-ji. The building was constructed in imitation of Byodo-in Temple in Uji and is designated as a registered cultural property, being one of the few Taisho-era structures on Mount Koya. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#reihokan

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The principal image is Kinrin Bucchōson, whose creator is unknown, and it is the origin of the tower's name. The history of its rise and fall remains unclear, and how many times it has been destroyed and rebuilt is uncertain. However, according to legend, Meizan, the 20th administrator (1021–1106), established it and enshrined his remains there, which is why it is also known by the alternative name "Bodai-in." If this is true, it means the structure existed since the Heian period. Historical records suggest that one of its many reconstructions took place in Tenpō 5 (1834). The current tower dates back to that reconstruction

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It was founded by Kojima Shinkō Sōzu, a monk of Nanin, a sub-temple of Tōdai-ji. The principal deity, Namikiri Fudō Myōō, is said to have been carved by Kūkai himself from a sacred piece of red sandalwood while on a ship returning from Tang China, during a storm. According to legend, when Kūkai prayed to the Fudō Myōō, light emitted from the deity, cutting through the rough waves and calming the storm, allowing him to safely return home. Because of this, the deity was named Namikiri Fudō Myōō ("Wave-Cutting Fudō Myōō"). The statue of Namikiri Fudō Myōō was initially enshrined in Sannō-in, a hall in Danjo Garan, but during the time of the head monk Ihan Daitoku (in the Heian period), it was transferred to this temple.

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Mount Koya is a sacred site of Japanese Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi in the early Heian period. The name Kongobu-ji is said to have been taken from the Buddhist sutra called the Kongōburokaku Issai Yugayugi-kyo by Kobo Daishi himself. The temple complex, including the main hall (Honbo), which measures 60 meters east to west and about 70 meters north to south, boasts a vast and elegant area totaling 48,295 tsubo (approximately 159,374 square meters). Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/kongobuji/

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In the second year of Jōō (1223), this Tahoto Pagoda was constructed by order of Masako, to honor the spirits of Minamoto no Yoritomo and Minamoto no Sanetomo. She entrusted the task to Kakuchi Nyudo. During the enshrinement ceremony held on October 13, 1225 (second year of Gen'nin), it is said that Eisai Zenji served as the officiating monk, and Hojo Tokifusa attended on behalf of Nun Nii Zenni. This pagoda, built in the early Kamakura period, is one of the oldest, second only to the Tahoto Pagoda at Ishiyama-dera. Like the one at Ishiyama-dera, it features a wide moso (skirts of the lower story), giving it a sense of stability. While the Ishiyama-dera pagoda uses a daiwa (platform ring), this one only uses a kashiranuki (head rail), making it more representative of the original form of a Tahoto Pagoda. Inside the pagoda is enshrined the Gochi Nyorai (Five Wisdom Buddhas), which are designated as Important Cultural Properties. These statues are believed to have been created around the same time as the pagoda's construction. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#okunoin

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The Tokugawa Family Mausoleum was constructed in Kanei 20 (1643) by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. Two Hōgyō-zukuri (pyramidal-roof) buildings stand side by side, with the one on the right enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu under the name Tōshōgū, and the one on the left dedicated to Tokugawa Hidetada, known as Daitoku-in. At the eastern end of the precinct, there was once a Sompai-dō (Hall of Honored Tablets) dedicated to the third shogun and later Tokugawa family members, as well as the Gosanke (three branches of the Tokugawa clan), but this hall was destroyed by fire in Meiji 21 (1888). Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#tokugawa

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The belfry on the high stone wall at the entrance to the temple complex was built in Genna 4 (1618) by Fukushima Masanori, who prayed for the posthumous well-being of his parents. Fukushima Masanori was known as one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's bravest generals and was part of the Seven Spears of Shizugatake, who gained fame during the battle between Hideyoshi and Shibata Katsuie. In Kanei 7 (1640), the bell was recast by Masanori's son, Masatoshi, and it became well-known for its inscription, written in a mixture of kana and kanji. Even today, the bell tolls every two hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., marking the time. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran

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The place where meals are prepared for Kobo Daishi, who is believed to be in eternal meditation at the mausoleum. Every morning, a monk prepares meals at the Gokusho, first offering them to the Ajimi Jizo (Tasting Jizo) for tasting, and then bringing them to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum. It also serves as the administrative office of Okunoin Temple and as a shop where amulets and other items are sold.

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In Kenkyū 8 (1197), Princess Hachijō-in, the daughter of Emperor Toba, initiated the construction of this temple, which was built by Gyōshō Shōnin. Originally, it was located in Isshin'in Valley (near the present location of the Kinrin Pagoda), but it was later relocated to the temple complex. The current building was rebuilt in the early 14th century. It is said that the four corners of the hall are all shaped differently because four craftsmen each built a corner according to their own style. It is believed that the hall was initially an Amida Hall, but later the Fudō Myōō was enshrined as the principal image, along with the Eight Great Dōji. These statues, created by the famous sculptor Unkei, are now housed in the Reihōkan Museum. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#fudodo

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This facility, equivalent to a museum, was established in 1921 (Taisho 10) with the purpose of preserving, managing, and publicly displaying the valuable cultural heritage of Mount Koya, including Buddhist paintings, statues, and other artifacts, particularly those related to Kongobu-ji Temple. The building was constructed in imitation of Byodo-in Temple in Uji and is designated as a registered cultural property, being one of the few Taisho-era structures on Mount Koya. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#taishikyokai

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Mount Koya is a basin surrounded by mountains around 1,000 meters high, known as the Eight-Petaled Peaks. Until the ban on women entering was lifted in Meiji 5 (1872), the area strictly regulated women's access to the mountain. The pilgrimage routes leading to Mount Koya, commonly known as the "Koya Seven Entrances", were once lined with Nyonindo (women’s halls) at each entrance. These halls allowed female worshippers to pray for Kobo Daishi Kukai's mausoleum without entering the sacred area. It is said that women pilgrims followed the "Nyonin-michi" (Women's Path), moving from one Nyonindo to another along the peaks of the Eight-Petaled Lotus, a symbolic reference to the surrounding mountains. This course is a trekking route known as the Nyonin-michi, which traverses the Three Mountains of Koya—Manizan, Yanagiyama, and Tenjikusan—encircling Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.

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The Asekaki Jizo statue is believed to constantly take on the suffering of all living beings, sweating as a result. This belief originates from the "Jūrin Sutra", where it is said that Jizo Bodhisattva "plays in various hells and decisively takes on the suffering in place of others." In fact, the current Sweating Jizo appears to be constantly sweating. The figure of Jizo Bodhisattva is carved into a black stone, surrounded by a white stone inscribed with the Five Rings, giving the appearance that the Jizo is perpetually sweating.

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The stone enshrined in a small shrine located just to the left after crossing Gobyo Bridge at Okunoin in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. The shrine has a small hole where one can fit their hand, and it is believed that touching the stone grants the blessings of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva). Furthermore, it is said that lifting the stone will make your wish come true.

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The Otuske Jizo, also known as the "Hitokoto Jizo" or "Ichigan Jizo", is famous as the Jizo that grants a single wish. Many people from both the local area and across the country come to pray to this Jizo for help with one specific wish. Additionally, the sunset viewed from the Otuske Jizo is spectacular. On clear days, you can see as far as Awaji Island and even Shikoku, making it one of the "100 Best Sunrises and Sunsets in Wakayama Prefecture."

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The Koyasan Choishi-michi is the main pilgrimage route to Mount Koya, originally marked with wooden sotoba (stupa-shaped pillars) as waymarkers by Kobo Daishi Kukai when he founded the mountain. As devotion to Kobo Daishi spread, many pilgrims began visiting, and seven routes leading to Mount Koya were opened, collectively called the "Koya Seven Entrances". Among them, the Koyasan Choishi-michi was the primary pilgrimage route. The choishi (stone pillars) along the path were not just waymarkers; they also served as objects of reverence for pilgrims, who would offer prayers to these stupa-shaped markers as they made their way up the mountain.

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The Great Gate (Daimon), standing at the entrance to Mount Koya, serves as the main gate of the entire mountain complex. In the early days of the mountain’s founding, a torii was built in Tsuzuraori Valley, a little below the current location, as the main gate. The original structure was destroyed by mountain fires and lightning strikes, and the current building was reconstructed in 1705. The gate, a two-story structure with five bays and three openings, stands 25.1 meters tall. On either side of the gate are enshrined statues of the Kongorikishi (Nio guardians). These statues are said to be the second largest in Japan, after the Nio statues at the Great South Gate of Todaiji Temple. They were crafted by Uncho and Koi, prominent sculptors from the mid-Edo period. On the front of the gate hangs a plaque with the inscription, "Every day, without fail, the Master manifests himself and inspects various sacred sites." This phrase expresses the belief that Kobo Daishi appears daily from his mausoleum to watch over and save the faithful, symbolizing the Dōgyō Ninin (Two Traveling Together) faith. Next to the Daimon is the Benten-dake trailhead, which leads to the summit where Take Benzaiten, enshrined by Kobo Daishi, is worshipped. Official websitehttps://www.koyasan .or.jp/meguru/sights.html#daimon

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In the past, Mount Koya had seven entrances, known as the Koya Nanakuchi (Seven Entrances of Koya). Until the lifting of the ban on women entering the area in Meiji 5 (1872), women were strictly prohibited from entering the sacred grounds. As a result, each entrance had a lodging facility for women, known as Nyonindo (Women's Hall). The current Nyonindo is the only remaining building of its kind. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#nyonindo

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The story of Karukaya Doshin and Ishido-maru is widely known as a tragic tale. This hall is where Karukaya Doshin became a monk and, as the story goes, devoted himself to Buddhist practice alongside his son, Ishido-maru, without ever revealing their true relationship as father and son. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#karukayado

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This is the spiritual center of faith on Mount Koya and the sacred site where Kobo Daishi is believed to have entered eternal meditation. The formal way to begin the pilgrimage is from the Ichi-no-hashi (First Bridge). The path from Ichi-no-hashi to the mausoleum stretches about 2 kilometers, and along the way, there are over 200,000 gravestones, memorials, and monuments of various feudal lords, as well as prayer and memorial stones, all standing amidst thousand-year-old cedar trees. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#okunoin

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This is the sacred site at the heart of faith in Kobo Daishi. It is believed that even now, he remains in this world in his physical body, having entered deep meditation, and continues to extend a helping hand to us. This belief, known as Nyūjō Shinkō (the faith in his eternal meditation), surrounds his mausoleum. It is thought that he continues to save those who come to pray, and thus, day and night, countless worshippers visit without pause. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#okunoin

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Originally built as Kobo Daishi's personal Buddha Hall, it was later renamed Miedo (Portrait Hall) after enshrining the portrait of Kobo Daishi, drawn by Shinnyo Shinnō himself. The hall is constructed in the Hōgyō-zukuri style with projections, measuring 15.1 meters in both length and width. Inside, statues of Kobo Daishi's ten principal disciples are displayed in both the inner and outer sanctuaries. This hall is the most sacred site on Mount Koya, and entry was once restricted to only a few select individuals. However, in recent years, general visitors have been allowed into the outer sanctuary after the O-Taiya ceremony, held on the eve of the Kyūshō Mieku (the memorial service on the 21st day of the 3rd lunar month). Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#okunoin

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It is said that Kobo Daishi and Shinzen Daitoku, his successor, spent two generations completing this great pagoda, from 816 to around 887. Kobo Daishi also referred to this pagoda as the Hokai Taisei Tower, and it was built as a symbol of the fundamental training hall of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, which is why it has long been called the Konpon Daito (Fundamental Great Pagoda). It is said to be the first example of the Tahoto style pagoda in Japan. The principal deity enshrined is Taizo Dainichi Nyorai (Dainichi Nyorai of the Womb Realm), surrounded by the Four Buddhas of the Diamond Realm. The 16 pillars inside the hall feature paintings of the Sixteen Great Bodhisattvas by Dōmoto Inshō, and the four corners of the walls are adorned with images of the Eight Patriarchs, who transmitted the teachings of esoteric Buddhism. The entire interior of the hall is designed as a three-dimensional mandala. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran

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This hall, originally called the Lecture Hall, was one of the first structures built by Kobo Daishi after the shrine when he founded Mount Koya. Since the mid-Heian period, it has played a key role as the main hall of Mount Koya. The current building is the seventh reconstruction and was completed in Showa 7 (1932). It measures 23.8 meters in width, 30 meters in length, and 23.73 meters in height, built in the irimoya-zukuri style. Designed by Dr. Takeda Goichi, known as the father of modern architecture in Kansai, it was constructed using steel-reinforced concrete to ensure earthquake and fire resistance. The interior murals were painted by Kimura Buzan, a disciple of Okakura Tenshin, who contributed to the development of the Japan Art Institute. The paintings include the Shaka Jodo Kyokaku Kaiji no Zu (Shakyamuni's Enlightenment) and the Hakkuyo Bosatsu Zo (Eight Bodhisattvas Offering). The principal image of Ashuku Nyorai (Aksobhya, or Yakushi Nyorai, a hidden Buddha) was created by the famous sculptor Takamura Koun, who integrated realism from Western sculpture into traditional wood carving, contributing to the modernization of Japanese wood sculpture. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran

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The Chumon (Middle Gate), located at a slightly lower level in front of the main hall (Kondo), is a two-story gate with five bays. Statues of Jikokuten (Guardian of the East) and Tamonten (Guardian of the North) were enshrined on either side. However, in Tenpo 14 (1843), a great fire devastated the Danjo Garan complex, leaving only the West Pagoda standing, and everything else was burned down. Reconstruction of the gate did not occur for a long time, but as part of the celebrations for the 1200th anniversary of Mount Koya's founding, the Chumon was rebuilt in Heisei 26 (2014), and the dedication ceremony was held on April 2, 2015. During the reconstruction, statues of Zochoten (Guardian of the South) and Komokuten (Guardian of the West) were newly sculpted by the modern master sculptor Matsumoto Myokei. Together with the two original guardian statues, which survived the fire in 1843, these four Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings) now protect the Chumon and, by extension, the entire Garan complex. Official website https://www.koyasan.or.jp/meguru/sights.html#danjogaran