Koya Town, Ito County (伊都郡高野町) is located in the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture: it is on the north edge of Kii Mountains (紀伊山地), which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2004.  The town is known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Esoteric [Tantric, Tantrik] Buddhism.  As of March 1, 2009, the town's population is 4,177.  It has an area of 137.08 sq. km: the density is 30.5 person per sq. km.
  There is no single mountain called Mt. Koya: It is a general term for the eight mountains surrounded Kota Town called "Hachiyo-no-mine" (八葉の峰: the Eight Peaks Looked Like a Lotus Flower with Eight Leaves) whose heights are around 1,000 meters above sea level: Dempoin-san, Jimyoin-san, Chumonzen-san, Yakushiin-san, Miyashiro-yama, Jin-ou-kyu, Shishi ga-oka and Shorengein-san (伝法院山、持明院山、中門前山、薬師院山、御社山、神応丘、獅子丘、勝蓮華院山).  Also, Koya-san is a modifying word for Kongobu-ji (金剛峰寺).
  First settled in AD 819 by the monk Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海, 774-835) who studied Buddhism in Ch'ang-an (長安) in the Tang Dynasty China as well as Dengyo-daishi Saicho (伝教大師 最澄, 767-822), Mt. Koya is primarily known as the headquarters of the Shingon sect (真言宗).  Shingon in Japanese means "True Words," a translation of the Sanskrit word "Mantrayana."  Mt. Koya is one of the two most important centers of Japanese Buddhism as well as Mt. Hiei (比叡山), Ostu City, Shiga.  Located in a high valley amid the eight peaks of the mountain, the original monastery has grown into the town of Koya, featuring a university dedicated to religious studies and 120 existing temples, many of which offer lodging to pilgrims.
  

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2 Stations

Gokurakubashi Station (極楽橋駅) and Koyasan Station (高野山駅) on the Nankai-Kosaku Line (南海鋼索線) are the two key stations to Koyasan or the Koya Mountains (高野山). Namba Station, Central Osaka is the key station for sightseeing Koyasan. Upon arriving at Gokurakubashi Station, the terminal station, the cable car swiftly carries you to the mountaintop. The cable car began operating when Koyasan Station opened in June 1930 (昭和5年).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Gokurakubashi Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line

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(Wednesday 18 March) A cable car stopping at Gokurakubashi Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line

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(Wednesday 18 March) Between Gokurakubashi Station and Koyasan Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line

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(Wednesday 18 March) Between Gokurakubashi Station and Koyasan Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line

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(Wednesday 18 March) A cable car stopping at Koyasan Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koyasan Station on the Nankai-Kosaku Line. Since the opening of the station in June 1930, vast numbers of pilgrims and visitors have set their first foot on the mountaintop here. In recent years, almost four hundred thousand people each year pass through the station. Yet the fact that from here one must still ride a bus or taxi to arrive at town center suggests just how deep in the mountains Koyasan is located. (See the Official Pamphlet.)

Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi (高野山町石道) used to be the main route to Koyasan. It starts from Jison-in Temple (慈尊院) in Kudo-yama (九度山) and leas directly to the main entrance to the Dai-mon (大門) of Koyasan. Originally wooden stupas were installed along the route as signposts when Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海) founded this mountain temple in the ninth century. Later stone markers took the place of the originals in the thirteenth century. There were created in the shape of Gorin-to (五輪塔).* As the stone markers were installed at every cho (町: 109 meters), the are called "Cho-ishi" (町石). *Gorin-to (五輪塔) is a five-story pagoda which consists of five pieces; square, circular, triangle, semicircular and a flame-wreathed gem. Each one of them represents Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Space. They are the five elements of the universe in Buddhism, and each character is engraved on each of the five pieces in Sanskrit. The Gorin-to has been the religious symbol of Koyasan. Many of them can be seen in Oku-no-in (奥の院).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Map of Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

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(Wednesday 18 March) A wooden signpost of Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

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(Wednesday 18 March) An arrow post from Choishi-michi to Oku-no-in, Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

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(Wednesday 18 March) A view from Koyasan-cho Ishi-michi

Goku-no-Benzai-ten Shrine

The Red Gate to Goku-no-Benzai-ten Shrine (獄の弁財天; Goku's Sarasvati; the Goddess of Fortune]) is located just on the left of the Dai-mon" (大門; the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan. The main shrine is 2 km up from here. Although the foundation date is unknown, Kobo-daishi prayed for the construction of his monastery here.

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(Wednesday 18 March) The Red Gate to Goku-no-Benzai-ten Shrine (獄の弁財天; Goku's Sarasvati; the Goddess of Fortune)

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(Wednesday 18 March) The Red Gate to Goku-no-Benzai-ten Shrine (獄の弁財天; Goku's Sarasvati; the Goddess of Fortune)

"Dai-mon"

"Dai-mon" (大門; the Great Outer Gate) to the Koyasan is situated at the west end of the basin of the sacred mountains. Roads from Kinokawa Valley (紀ノ川渓谷) and Aritagawa Valley (有田川渓谷) met here, because the gate was a main entrance to Koyasan. The Gate was reconstructed in 1705. Recently it was repaired with the opening of the motorway recently and It has revived.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) One wooden Deva statue of "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) The other wooden Deva statue of "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Dai-mon" (the Great Outer Gate) to Koyasan

Daimon-dori

Daimon-dori Street (大門通)

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(Wednesday 18 March) Daimon-dori Street, Koyasan, Koya Town

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(Wednesday 18 March) Tsukumo-shokudo (つくも食堂), Daimon-dori Street, Koyasan, Koya Town. They specialize traditional "Kama-meshi" (釜飯; lit. kettle rice), a traditional Japanese rice dish cooked in an iron pot. The formal address is 243 Koyasan, Koya-cho (高野町高野山243).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Tsukumo-shokudo, 243 Koyasan, Koya-cho.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sansai-kamameshi" (山菜釜飯; a set menu of a veggie rice pot, 1,360 yen), Tsukumo-shokudo, 243 Koyasan, Koya-cho.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sansai-kamameshi" (山菜釜飯; a set menu of a veggie rice pot, 1,360 yen), Tsukumo-shokudo, 243 Koyasan, Koya-cho.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sansai-kamameshi" (山菜釜飯; a set menu of a veggie rice pot, 1,360 yen), Tsukumo-shokudo, 243 Koyasan, Koya-cho.

Nyonin-do Hall

Nyonin-do Hall (女人堂; Women's Temple), Koyasan. Originally there were seven different mountain trails leading to Koyasan from below and consequently seven entrance spots into the ritually demarcated sacred bounds of the religious community. Before 1872 (明治5年), when the restriction against women entering the mountain-top was lifted, there were residences for women pilgrims set up at each of these seven entrances. Now the only this hall remains at what is known as the Fudo Slope Entrance (不動坂口) or the Kyo Highway Entrance (京街道口). Since the train and cable began operating in 1930 (昭和5年), the road past this temple has become the most travelled route into town.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Nyonin-do Hall, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Nyonin-do Hall, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Fudo Slope Entrance (不動坂口) or the Kyo Highway Entrance (京街道口) by the Nyonin-do Hall, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) A small shrine by the Nyonin-do Hall, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) A Jizo statue near the Nyonin-do Hall, Koyasan

Nishimuro-in Temple

Nishimuro-in Temple (西室院), Koyasan, 697 Koyasan, Koya-cho (高野町高野山697番地). This is one of the four temples originally set close to the Garan (伽藍) at each of the four cardinal directions. Later it was moved to Minamidani (南谷) and again in the Edo Period to its present spot. Its reviver Gashin Sozu (雅真僧都), proficient at Japanese poetry, later constructed the Sanno-in Temple (山王院) in Amano (天野) and was known as the "temple administrator of Amano." It has the three gravestones for the three Minamoto [Gen-ke] Shogun; Yoritomo, Yoriie and Sanetomo Minamoto (源三代将軍頼朝、頼家、実朝).

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(Wednesday 18 March) San-mon Gate (山門) to Nishimuro-in Temple, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Temple Gate to Nishimuro-in Temple, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) The three five-story pagodas (Gorin-to;五輪塔) for the three Minamoto [Gen-ke] Shogun; Yoritomo, Yoriie and Sanetomo Minamoto, Nishimuro-in Temple, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) The three five-story pagodas (Gorin-to;五輪塔) for the three Minamoto [Gen-ke] Shogun; Yoritomo, Yoriie and Sanetomo Minamoto, Nishimuro-in Temple, Koyasan

Nichiren-shonin's old place

Nichiren-shonin's old place (日蓮上人御旧跡), Koyasan (in the opposite side of Nishimuro-in Temple). As a young monk named, Zeshoborencho (是生房蓮長; later Nichiren [日蓮, 1222-1282]) studied Buddhism here in Koyasan as well as Hiei-zan (比叡山), Shitenno-ji Temple (四天王寺) and Mii-dera Temple (三井寺) and read numerous Buddhist scriptures as possible. At the age of 24, he found the Lotus Sutra (法華経) most important. At the age of 31 he founded the new sect based on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra (日蓮宗, 法華宗, etc.) on April 28, 1253 (建長5年) at Seicho-ji Temple (清澄寺) which then belonged to the Tendai-shu sect (天台宗), Kamogawa (千葉県鴨川市). Then he changed his name to Nichiren and started to propagandize people in Kamakura (鎌倉).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Nichiren-shonin's old place, Koyasan where he studied esoteric Buddhism.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Nichiren-shonin's old place, Koyasan where he studied esoteric Buddhism.

Nan-in Temple (Namikiri-Fudo-son)

Koya-san Nan-in Temple (高野山南院) or widely known as Namikiri-Fudo-son (浪切不動尊). It was built by Shonko Kojima Sozu (子島 真興 僧都), who was formerly a scholar-monk of the Hosso-shu sect (法相宗) at Todai-ji Temple (東大寺) in Nara, and is know as he founder of the Kojima School (子島流). Its name come from the fact that he once lived in a temple called the Nan-in (南院) at Todai-ji Temple. The main image is Namikiri Fudo-myo-o (浪切不動明王; Acala [ the God of Fire] of Namikiri).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koya-san Nan-in Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koya-san Nan-in Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Interior of Koya-san Nan-in Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Gate to the Stupa, Koya-san Nan-in Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) The Stupa of Koya-san Nan-in Temple, surrounded by many stone lanterns

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(Wednesday 18 March) The Stupa of Koya-san Nan-in Temple

Tokugawa-ke Reidai

Tokugawa-ke Reidai (徳川家霊台) is a Tosho-gu [東照宮] Mausoleum for the Tokugawa family, which enshrines the first two Tokugawa Shogurn, Ieyasu and Hidetada (家康、秀忠). It was built in 1643 (寛永20年) by the 3rd Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa (徳川 家光). On both sides are identical buildings, reach designed with roof beams joining at the central apex and measuring 5.4 meters tall. To the right is the tomb of the 1st Shogun Ieyasu, while to the left is the tomb of Hidetada. It is recorded that these two were built by the wandering saints of Koya, or Koya-hijiri (高野聖). There was originally a hall for the repository of memorial tablets of the deceased, but only the cornerstone remains.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Gate to Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Stone Shrine Gate and Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Signpost for Ieyasu's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Ieyasu's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Ieyasu's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Hidetada's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Hidetada's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Hidetada's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Exterior of Hidetada's tomb, Tokugawa-ke Reidai, Koyasan

"Danjo-Garan" Complex

"Danjo-Garan" Complex (壇上伽藍; lit. the platform samgharama), Koyasan. The Garan or the Central Monastic Complex, marks the location of the first buildings constructed at Koyasan. It originally was and still is the center of the ritual life of the religious community, and together with Oku-no-in (奥の院; the area surrounding Kobo-daishi's tomb) it is considered one of the two holiest spots on the mountain. This extensive compound includes the following structures: The Grea Stula (or Pagoda; 根本大塔), the Kon-do (金堂; originally a lecture hall), the Western and Eastern Stupas (西塔, 東塔), a shrine for Myo-jin (明神; the local mountain deity), the halls known as Mie-do (御影堂), Juntei-do (准胝堂), Kujyaku-do (孔雀堂), Sammai-do (三昧堂), Aizen-do (愛染堂), Daie-do (大会堂) and Fudo-do (不動堂), the bell tower known as "Koya-Shiro" (高野四郎) and Hexagonal Depository of the [Chinese Buddhist] Scriptures (六角経蔵).

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(Wednesday 18 March) "To-to" (東塔) or the Eastern Stupa, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. It was completed by the vow of ex-Emperor Shirakawa (白川法王) in the 2nd year of Daiji (大治2年) or AD 1127. The central-cared divinity is Vijayosnisa (尊勝仏頂). The building was burnt in the 14th year of Tempo (天保14年) or AD 1843 and was rebuilt in 1983.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kompon-Dai-to" (根本大塔) or the Great Stupa reconstructed in 1937, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kompon-Dai-to" (根本大塔) or the Great Stupa reconstructed in 1937, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kompon-Dai-to" (根本大塔) or the Great Stupa reconstructed in 1937, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Interior of "Kompon-Dai-to" (根本大塔) or the Great Stupa reconstructed in 1937, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) A big bell called "Koya-Shiro" (高野四郎), "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. This bell is located in front of "Konpon-Dai-to" (根本大塔) or the Great Stupa since the 16th year of Tenbun (天文16年) or AD 1547.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sai-to" (西塔) or the Western Stupa, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. The original building was built by Daitoku Shinzen (真然 大徳) in the 2nd year of Ninna (仁和2年) or AD 886. The present building was erected in the 5th year of Tempo (天保5年) or AD 1834.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sai-to" (西塔) or the Western Stupa, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sai-to" (西塔) or the Western Stupa, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Rokkaku Kyozo" (六角経蔵), or the Hexagonal Depository of the [Chinese Buddhist] Scriptures, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Rokkaku Kyozo" (六角経蔵), or the Hexagonal Depository of the [Chinese Buddhist] Scriptures, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Sammai-do Hall (三昧堂), or the Meditation Hall reconstructed in 1816, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. The name come sfrom the fact that the abbot Saiko (済高 座主, 870-942) engaged in meditation (三昧; sammai) here. The monk-poet Saigyo-hoshi (西行法師, 1118-1190) also mediated here, and in front of the hall is a cherry tree that he is said to have planted.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Daie-do" (大会堂) Hall, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. Built by the daughter of Emperor Toba (鳥羽天皇) in the 12th century. Princess Itsutsujisai-in (五辻斎院 内親王), in memory of her father. The main image enshrined is of the Amida Buddha (阿弥陀如来) (seated, about 4.8 meters tall), attended by the figures of the bodhisattvas Kannon (観世音菩薩; Avalokitesvara) and Seishi (勢至菩薩; Mahasthamaprapta). The hall was rebuilt in 1848 (嘉永元年).

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Daie-do" Hall (大会堂), "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Aizen-do" Hall (愛染堂), ""Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. It was originally built in 1334 (建武元年) under the order of Emperor Godaigo (後醍醐天皇), who instructed that in order to expel enemies of the nation there are held both an extended lecturing on Buddhist scriptures as well as the constant performance of a ritual Goma (護摩) offering (using fire) to the deity Aizen-myo-o (愛染明王; Ragaraja). The present building dates from 1848 (嘉永元年) and enshrines a figure of Aizen-myo-o made to the proportions of Emperor Godaigo himself.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Fudo-do" Hall (不動堂) or the Acala Temple, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. Built by Gyosho-shonin (行勝上人) in accordance with the wish of the daughter of the Retired Emperor Toba (鳥羽上皇), Hachijo-nyoin (八条女院), in 1197 (建久8年). It is 13 meters wide, 10.6 meters deep, and in the style of residence houses of the Heian Period. It was moved to the present location in 1910 for the purpose of repair from Isshin-in Dani (一心谷). The main image enshrined is Fudo-myo-o (不動明王; Acala; the God of Fire) and Hachidai-Doji (八代童子; the Eight Young Boy Attendants), all carved by the famous sculptor Unkei (運慶, ?-1223).

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Fudo-do" Hall (不動堂) or the Acala Temple, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Fudo-do" Hall (不動堂) or the Acala Temple, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Fudo-do" Hall (不動堂) or the Acala Temple, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kujyaku-do" Hall (孔雀堂) or the Hall of Peacock, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Juntei-do" Hall (准胝堂) or the "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. It enshrines "Juntei-Kannon" (准胝観音; Cundii [saptakoTibuddhamaatR]) carved by Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海). the style of the carved image is from the early Jogan Era (貞観年間; 856-876).

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Mie-do" Hall (御影堂) or the Founder's Hall, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. It enshrines a portrait of the Koyasan founder Kukai (空海), painted by his disciple Prince Shinyo (真如親王).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Mie-do" Hall (御影堂) or the Founder's Hall, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Interior looked through the glass, Mie-do" Hall (御影堂) or the Founder's Hall, "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kon-do" Hall (金堂) or the Golden [Lecture] Hall], "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan. Originally known at the time Koyasan was founded in AD 819 (弘仁10年) as the Ko-do (講堂; the Lecture Hall), today it holds an important place as the central hall of religious ceremonies for the whole community. The present building was completed in 1932 (昭和7年) and represents the 7th construction of the original. It measures 25 meters in width, 32 meters in depth and 22 meters in height. The central religious image is of Yakushi-nyorai (薬師如来; Bhechadjaguru; the Physician of Souls), carved by Koun Takamura (高村光雲, 1852-1934). The murals inside were painted by Buzan Kimura (木村武山, 1876-1942).

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Kon-do" Hall (金堂) or the Golden [Lecture] Hall], "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Interior of "Kon-do" Hall (金堂) or the Golden [Lecture] Hall], "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Interior of "Kon-do" Hall (金堂) or the Golden [Lecture] Hall], "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Taiko-bashi" Bridge (太鼓橋) over the Hasu-ike Pond (蓮池), "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Taiko-bashi" Bridge (太鼓橋) over the Hasu-ike Pond (蓮池), "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Zennyo-Ryuo-sha" Shrine (善女龍王社) over the Hasu-ike Pond (蓮池), "Danjo-Garan," Koyasan

Daishi-kyokai Mission

Daishi-kyokai Mission, Koyasan (高野山大師教会本部). the address is 347 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama (和歌山県 伊都郡高野町 大字高野山 347).

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(Wednesday 18 March) Daishi-kyokai Mission, Koyasan, 347 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

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(Wednesday 18 March) A pilgrim walking near Daishi-kyokai Mission, Koyasan

Koyasan Reiho-kan

Koyasan Reiho-kan Museum (高野山霊宝館), 306 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama (和歌山県 伊都郡高野町 大字高野山 306). It serves to preserve and display the finest art of Koyasan. Important Buddhist sculptures, paintings, implements, craftwork, scriptures, treatises and historical documents are displayed for the general public. Five special exhibitions are held each year.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Entrance to Koyasan Reiho-kan Museum, 306 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

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(Wednesday 18 March) A poster of Koyasan Reiho-kan Museum, 306 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koyasan Reiho-kan Museum, 306 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

Koyasan University

Koyasan University (高野山大学), 385 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama (和歌山県伊都郡高野町大字高野山385). Founded in 1926, the university has a famous course for Esoteric Buddhism.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koyasan University, 385 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koyasan University, 385 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

Kongobu-ji Temple

Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple (高野山 金剛峯寺) is located 132 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama (和歌山県伊都郡高野町大字高野山132).Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple. The name "Kongobu-ji" (lit. the Temple of the Diamond Peak) indicated the whole area of Koyasan before the Meiji Restoration in 1867: now it is the name of this head temple of the Shingon-shu sect (真言宗) of Buddhism. The name is also derived form the name of one of the key Buddhist scriptures in the Shingon School. The administration of the affairs of the entire sect (with affiliated temples across Japan), in addition to the affairs of the town itself, is managed here. Many of the important events and rituals of the town are also held here. The abbot of Kongobu-ji Temple serves as the chief priest for the sect. Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣 秀吉, 1537-1598) founded the original construction of the temple for the repose of the spirit of his mother.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Illustrated map of the interior of Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Sei-mon Gate (正門), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Omote-mon Gate (表門), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Shu-den" Hall (主殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Genkan" (玄関; the Entrance) and "Somu-sho" (宗務所; the Temple Office), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Genkan" (玄関; the Entrance), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Sho-ro" (鐘楼; the Belfry), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Inside of "Shu-den" Hall (主殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Koya-sugi (高野杉; Koya Cypress), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Ohiro-ma" (大広間; the State Room), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) The altar of Ohiro-ma" (大広間; the State Room), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple. The sliding door was drawn by Tanyu Kano (狩野 探幽, 1602-1674).

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(Wednesday 18 March) A small Zen rock garden (枯山水), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) A small Zen rock garden (枯山水), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) A Japanese flower art, Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) A portrait of Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海, 774-835), Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) A mandala chart (曼荼羅図), Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Another mandala chart (曼荼羅図), Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) The tablet of "Komyo-Shingon" (光明真言; the (en)Light(enment) Mantra), Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple.Normally in Esoteric Buddhism, monks recite the Sanscrit mantra without translation for mystification.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Bussoku-ishi (佛足石; the Stone of the Buddha's Foot Print), Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) The inscription stone of Banryutei Garden (蟠龍庭), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple. It was built in 1984 (昭和59年) in the 1,150th anniversary of Kobo-daishi's Entering Nirvana (弘法大師御入定) as well as Shin-Betsu-den (新別殿). With an expanse of 2,340 square meters, it is the largest Zen rock garden in Japan. The design is of a make-female pair of dragons amidst a sea of clouds protecting the Oku-den (奧殿). The dragons are made of 140 granite pieces from the Shikoku Island, while the white sand (representing clouds) comes from Kyoto.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Banryutei Garden (蟠龍庭), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Banryutei Garden (蟠龍庭), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Banryutei Garden (蟠龍庭), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Jodan-no-ma" (上壇の間; the Imperial Parlor), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) An inner garden of Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Shinzen Daitoku-byo (真然大徳廟; The Mausoleum of Bishop Shinzen), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple. Bishop Daitoku Shinzen (真然大徳僧正, 804-891) was born in the family of Saeki (佐伯氏) in the Province of Sanuki (讃岐) as a nephew of Kobo-daishi Kukai, after Daishi he worked as a manager of Koyasan for 56 years. He founded the basis of the propagation of Buddhist doctrines and practices, thereby disseminating the lofty ideal of Kobo-daishi to Kogyo-daishi Kakuban-shonin (興教大師 覚鑁上人, 1095-1144), the genius in the future. In November 1988 a relic casket of Bishop Shinzen was unearthed here, giving evidence that this is his mausoleum.

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(Wednesday 18 March) "Daidokoro" (台所; the Kitchen), Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

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(Wednesday 18 March) Eka-mon Gate (会下門) of Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple

Karukaya-do Hall

Karukaya-do Hall (苅萱堂) is famous for the sad story of Karukaya Doshin (苅萱道心) and Ishidomaru (石道丸). The address is 478 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama (高野町大字高野山478). The sad folktale of "Karukaya Doshin and Ishidomaru," together with the saying, "the single lamp donated by a poor woman and 10,000 lamps by a millionaire," is one of the legends surrounding Koyasan that is known throughout Japan. The story of Karukaya-do begins with Doshin, a man who leaves home to become a monk at Koyasan. His son Ishido-maru then also leaves home in search of his father. It is said that when they met at Karukaya-do Temple, the father took his son as a disciple but without ever revealing his true identity.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Karukaya-do Hall, 478 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

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(Wednesday 18 March) Karukaya-do Hall, 478 Koyasan, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama

"Oku-no-in"

"Oku-no-in" [Penetralia] (奥の院), Koyasan. The holy precinct of Oku-no-in is the center of the tradition of faith in Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海). Beginning with the tomb where Kukai remains today in eternal repose, Oku-no-in also includes the Toro-do Hall (燈籠堂; the Hall of Lamps), the Kinen-Toro-do Hall (記念燈籠堂; the Memorial Hall of lamps), the Goku-sho Hall (御供所; the Hall of Offerings), the Fudo-do Hall (不動堂; the Hall of Acala; the God of Fire), Gobyo-no-hashi (御廟の橋; the bridge passing over a stream on approach to Kukai's Shrine), an ossuary, scripture storehouse, and the water-covered statues of Jizo. The clear waters of the famous Tama-gawa Stream (玉川) are said to purify the hearts of the faithful as they cross the bridge.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Map of Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Entrance to Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Approach to Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Approach surrounded by numerous graves to Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Approach surrounded by numerous graves to Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Entrance to the Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人, 1173-1262), the founder of Jodo-shinshu sect (浄土真宗) of Buddhism, Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Inscription stone of Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) A carved Buddha by the Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (親鸞聖人), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Arrow posts of Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave (memorial hall) of Shinran-shonin (法然上人, 1133-1212), the founder of Jodo-shu sect (浄土宗) of Buddhism and teacher of Shinran (親鸞), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Aki-Asano family (安芸浅野家), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Shrine dedicated to Hideyasu Yuki (結城 秀康, 1574-1607), the 2nd son of Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川 家康), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Stone Steps to the Grave of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (豊臣秀吉墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Signpost for Grave of Nobunaga Oda (織田信長墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Nobunaga Oda (織田信長墓所), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave of Shimosa-Sakura-Matsudaira Family (下総佐倉松平家), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Grave for the wife of Toshinaga Maeda of Kaga (加賀 前田利長, 1562-1614), Oku-no-in, Koyasan. Her name is Princess Ei (永姫), also known as Gyokusen-in (玉泉院, 1574-1623), 4th daughter of Nobunaga Oda (織田 信長).

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(Wednesday 18 March) A haiku monument (built in 1775) of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉, 1644-1694), Oku-no-in, Koyasan. In spring 1688 (貞享5年), Basho visited Koyasan after the 33rd memorial service for his father in Iga-Ueno (伊賀上野): Chichi haha no (父母の) Shikiri ni koishi (しきりに恋し) Kiji no koe (雉子の声) Dear Dad and Mom, I miss you so much Hearing pheasants chirping. (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Wednesday 18 March) A haiku monument (built in 1775) of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉, 1644-1694), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Graves of Cho-shu Mori family (長州毛利家), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) The memorial tower for the repose of the war dead in Burma during World War II, Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Numerous grave of Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Eirei-den (英霊殿; the Hall of the Souls of the Departed War Heroes) built in 1952 (昭和27年) for the repose of the war dead during World War II, Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Eirei-den (英霊殿; the Hall of the Souls of the Departed War Heroes) built in 1952 (昭和27年) for the repose of the war dead during World War II, Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Goku-sho Hall (御供所; the Hall of Offerings), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Goma-do Hall (護摩堂; the Hall of Homa; the Buddhist Rite of Burning Cedar Sticks on the Altar), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Numerous seated statues of the Buddha by Oku-no-in, Goma-do Hall (護摩堂; the Hall of Homa; the Buddhist Rite of Burning Cedar Sticks on the Altar), Oku-no-in, Koyasan

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(Wednesday 18 March) Gobyo-no-hashi Bridge (御廟の橋), Oku-no-in, Koyasan. From here no photos and filming are permitted. Across the bridge and then enter the most sacred area where Kobo-daishi Kukai (弘法大師空海) rests in eternal peace.

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(Wednesday 18 March) Toro-do Hall (燈籠堂; the Hall of Lamps)Oku-no-in, Koyasan. This zoom-up photo was taken just before the Gobyo-no-hashi Bridge with my best respect of Kobo-daishi Kukai.

        

Copyright (c) 2009 Eishiro Ito.  All rights reserved.