Kongobu-ji

A designated National Treasure built in the Edo period, Kongobuji Temple at Koyasan is more than just another place of spiritual worship. The larger purpose of the temple is to serve as the headquarters of the Buddhist Shingon sect, founded by the monk Kobo Daishi, whose mausoleum can be found at nearby Okunoin Temple.

Koyasan dates back to 816 and Kongobuji Temple was built in 1593, then rebuilt in 1863. While it is architecturally satisfying from the outside, take off your shoes and step through the doors and you'll be rewarded by Kongobuji Temple's beautiful interior.

We were also able to view the Koya Fire Festival (Spring ceremony for the opening of the climbing season at Mt. Koya, and the Buddhist rite of cedar-stick burning) 🔥

We visited here in snowing day, atmosphere here is peaceful, making us feeling relaxed. Especially the garden, which is full of Zen.

Well maintained and preserved temple with lots of interesting features like an old temple kitchen, decorated doors or a classic rock garden. The entrance was 1000yen so it's cheap but probably worth visiting if you are in Koya.

Very good experience to learn shingo buddhism intorduced by kobo daishi. 1000 yen to enter and see more sights but you can't take pictures in the inside, only the outer area like the rocks and greenery.

Kongobu-Ji is a very nice temple complex which is considered the original center of Shingon Buddhism. The temple complex and garden are very well kept and there is a tour that leeds you past a large number of very beautiful sliding doors that tell the story of Kukai.
In the back there is a beautiful rock garden that is worth a visit as well. There is an entrance fee of 1000yen but it's worthwhile.

A very beautiful place to go and see Japanese architecture at its finest. These temples are so amazing and the beautiful colour is awe inspiring.
When entering the temples don't forget to take off your shoes.
You can also get tokens for luck as well as monks to sign your book if you want.
I loved being here.

It is the ecclesiastic head temple of Shingon Buddhism.

The name of the temple “金剛峰” literally means the Diamond Mountain Peak. In Buddhism “金剛” usually interpreted as diamond and thunderbolt “vajra”, it implies the firmness and indestructibility.

Do not miss the Banryūtei rock garden, which is famous for the granite stones arranged in the shapes of 2 dragons.

I enjoyed the serene atmosphere when visiting the temple.

I highly recommend a visit to Kongobu-Ji, the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism. This historical marvel, with its magnificent rock garden and ornate interiors, offers a unique peek into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Tranquil and atmospheric, it's a truly unforgettable experience

I must say I love Japanese gardens and this one is unique,
There are a lot of stone and rocks and is way bigger than than other I seen before.
Now in autumn is even prettier.

Those are quiet times in japan, there are no tourist from overseas and this places are almost empty.
Beautiful place to visits in you time In koyasan

Paid sight seeing area, but it's worth it. Amazing traditional architecture and garden. (cannot photograph interior artwork)

A special place.
The rock garden is amazing and the story behind it is inspiring.
Set amongst a whole town, richly steeped in Buddhist history.

One of the most ancient building, the arts of interior and paintings are all remarkable and several famous historical events also took place here, a must visit place while you are here.

Beautiful and peaceful place, really nice autumn leaves….

This temple complex is one of my favorites in Koyasan. The landscaping is just stunning and the entire complex offers some outstanding views, that will stick in your mind, long time after you have returned home.

The garden was really calming to look at, especially in the rain, just gazing out towards the huge garden while enjoying the cool weather of Koyasan, which is a far cry from the weather in the rest of the popular tourist destinations during summer. The temple also offers free Matcha Tea, as well as a small biscuit while you sit in the big hall, which is used to host monks.

This is where Kukai started Shingon Buddihism. You can learn how Kukai spread Shingon Buddhism. Also, it is very interesting to see the fusuma with various and sophisticated paintings on tour of the inside of the building.

This is a beautiful sacred space and garden. It was pouring rain when we got there but you are completely safe and enclosed in the space, walking around barefoot or in socks. The rain gave an extra charm to the space. We spent hours just walking around and taking in the beauty! Must see!

A must see if on Koyasan and the head temple of 4000 or more branch temples. Its charm is in its incredible rock garden and wonderfully colored shoji screens each offering a description in English and Japanese about Kukai (Kobo Daishi) and his life. A nice little shop with sutra books, Omamori charms and other memorabilia like T shirts celebrating its 1200 years as a official temple complex.

It was probably the most worth your money temple to visit - with beautiful rock garden (largest in Japan)
Not to mention, this is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism!
Highly recommend among other world heritage Koyasan sites.

This really has everything you could possibly want to see in a traditional Japanese building. The highlights for me were the hand painted sliding door panels which are different in each room.There are signs that explain the stories behind the paintings.

There is also an extensive rock and raked sand garden that envelopes the building as well as a traditional green botanical garden.