View the sliding door paintings and Banryu-tei, one of Japan's largest rock gardens, at the head temple, and enjoy Buddhist vegetarian lunch at a mountain dining establishment
About this spot
The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist sect with branch temples nationwide, this is the central hub of Koyasan, where the grand roof of hinoki cypress bark exudes dignity. In the main hall, you can view the grand room with sliding door paintings by Kano school artists, and the Willow Room associated with Toyotomi Hidenari, following the designated route. The highlight is Banryu-tei, one of Japan's largest rock gardens. On approximately 2,340 square meters of white sand, stones representing a male and female dragon pair are arranged; gazing slowly from the veranda brings a serene beauty that calms the spirit. Tea service may be offered in the large hall, and the enormous pot used to cook meals for 2,000 people remains in the kitchen, offering points of interest for children. After viewing, enjoy Buddhist vegetarian cuisine or the local specialty sesame tofu at nearby dining establishments.
Tips
Admission: 1,000 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary school children. Get off at Kongobuji-mae bus stop, or it's approximately a 10-minute walk from Kongobuji via the Janabi-ro forest trail. Since you remove shoes inside the halls, wear easy-to-remove footwear. Dining establishments serving vegetarian dishes and sesame tofu are scattered nearby; arriving before noon is recommended as lunch time gets busy.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1.5 hours required. Including lunch and starting around 11:30 am provides a smooth flow to the afternoon Reihokan museum visit.
Access & map
〒648-0211 Wakayama Prefecture, Ito County, Koyasan Town, Koyasan 132
Model course featuring this spot
Koyasan: A Sacred Pilgrimage from Daimon Gate to Okunoin
Wakayama
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