Kongobuji - Wakayama

Located in the secluded temple town of Mt. Kōya / Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, Kongobuji formally Kongōbuji (金剛峯寺) is the headquarters of the Koyasan Shingonshu Buddhism.

Kongobuji - 金剛峯寺

Kongobuji History

The name Kongobuji was originally intended to refer to all of Mt. Kōya and its many sub-temples. The name kongubu actually means Vajra Peak. It is a term found in the title of a Buddhist sutra. 

Kongobuji (金剛峯寺) - Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture

The bridge and gate going to the Kongobuji

The Rokuji-no-Kane Bell

The Seimon gate of the temple vicinity

Kongobuji Rates (and other important destinations in Mt. Koya)

Shoro (Belltower)

Check out that large tree trunk inside the Ohiroma Room

Checking out the frozen garden of Kongobuji

The cranes painted by Kano Tanyu

Kongobuji Zen Garden covered in snow

Mr. Toshi showed us the different rooms of Kongobuji

The halls of the temple

The original temple built on the site of the present-day temple was built in 1593. It memorialized Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mother. It was rebuilt into two temples in 1863. Later on those two temples, Kozanji Temple and Seiganji Temple were combined and were renamed, Kongōbu-ji Temple.

What to see inside Kongobuji:

The former reception hall for the emperor or Shoin Jodan no Ma

The mausoleum of Bishop Shinzen

The old kitchen of the temple.

Guess what these are...

More antique kitchen stuff in the temple

The temple consists of the following buildings: Great Main Hall, Betsuden, Shinbetsuden, Okuden, Shinshoin, Tea Room, Bell Tower, Dento Kokushi Mausoleum, and the Fire Offering Hall.

Ella enjoying the snow at the Kongobuji vicinity

The Takanokun mascot of Mt. Koya

I visited Kongōbuji with my family during our road trip to Mt. Kōya on the 23rd day of our 2014-2015 Japan trip. Although the temple is not as grand as the temples that we visited in Kyoto and Nara Prefectures, Kongōbuji is equal in terms of religious and historical value. No wonder, Mt. Kōya (its temples, sub-temples, and graveyard) was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Kongobuji Admission Fee:

UPDATED 2020

To enter Kongobuji, adult visitors need to pay 500 yen while kids, 7 -11 years old, has to pay 200 yen.

Kongobuji Opening Hours:

Kongobuji is open from 8:30-5PM every day.

Why visit Kongobuji?

When visiting the temple town of Koyasan, Kongobuji should be in your must-visit list. It's one of the most historically significant temples in the town. A visit to the temple would surely improve your historical and religious appreciation of Mount Koya.

Getting to Kongobuji:

If you are coming straight from Kansai International Airport, you might want to try this out.

Ride the Nankai Line from Kansai-Airport Station to Tengachaya Station. Board down and transfer to the Nankai-Limited Express and board down at Hashimoto Station. Board down again and transfer to the Nankai-Koya Line. Board down at Gokurakubashi Station. Go to Gokurakubashi Station Cable Line and board the Nankai Koyasan Cable to Koyasan Station. From there walk to Koyasan Station bus stop and ride bus #21 to Okunoin Mae bus stop.

Travel time: 3hrs  

Fare: 2900 yen

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating