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Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san) 金剛峯寺
World Heritage SiteBuddhist temple in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
史About
Kongōbu-ji (金剛峯寺) is the ecclesiastic head temple of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism, located on Mount Kōya (高野山, Kōya-san), Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Its name means Vajra Peak Temple. It is part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple was first constructed as Seigan-ji Temple in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi on the death of his mother, rebuilt in 1861, and given its present name in 1869. It contains many sliding screen doors painted by Kanō Tanyū (1602-1674) and members of the Kyoto Kanō school.
The temple's modern Banryūtei (蟠龍庭 rock garden) is Japan's largest (2340 square meters), with 140 granite stones arranged to suggest a pair of dragons emerging from clouds to protect the temple.
The 414th abbot of Kongōbu-ji is the Reverend Kogi Kasai, who also acts as the archbishop of the Kōyasan Shingon school.
At the temple, visitors can listen to the sermons of the monks and participate in ajikan meditation sessions. The term ajikan refers to a fundamental breathing and meditation method of Shingon Buddhism: "meditating on the letter A" written using the Siddhaṃ alphabet.
Text from Wikipedia: Kongōbu-ji — CC BY-SA 4.0. Read more on Wikipedia →
要Quick facts
| Type | Temple |
|---|---|
| Location | Kōya-chō, Wakayama |
| Founded | 816 |
| Designations | National Treasure of Japan part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Site of Japan |
| Official website | koyasan.or.jp |
| Nearest stations | Gokurakubashi Station · 2.2 km Nankai Kōya Line, Nankai Cable Line Distances are in a straight line; walking routes are longer. |
| Map | Open in Google Maps ↗ |
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Opening hours and fees change — check the official website before you go.
Data: Wikidata (CC0)
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解Japan Tourism Agency explanations
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問Questions visitors ask
What is Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san)?
Kongōbu-ji (金剛峯寺) is the ecclesiastic head temple of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism, located on Mount Kōya (高野山, Kōya-san), Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
Where is Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san)?
Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san) is in Kōya-chō, Wakayama. The nearest station is Gokurakubashi Station (about 2.2 km in a straight line).
Is Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san) a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Its designations include: National Treasure of Japan; part of UNESCO World Heritage Site; Historic Site of Japan.
When was Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san) founded?
816, according to Wikidata.
What are the opening hours of Kongōbu-ji (Kōya-san)?
Hours and fees change by season and for events. Please check the official website before you go: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/
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