Koyasan

(Source : pixta)

Having over 1,200 years of history, Koyasan (Mt. Koya) is one of the most sacred places of Buddhism in Japan. It is registered as a World Heritage Site. The sacred area is surrounded by mountains and is located at an altitude of 800 meters. There are 117 temples in Koyasan. It was founded by Kobo Daish (Kukai) in 816 in the Heian period. Kobo Daishi is the founder of the Shingon sect, and he opened this place as a center for Zen training. Danjo Garan (compound for training) and Okunoin are considered to be the two most sacred places in Koyasan. Danjo Garan is the main training center that is like a main hall in a regular temple. Okunoin holds tombstones and memorial monuments. There are many other temples and related structures. This is a large religious city that has been used for worship for a long time.

(Source: 土橋わいわいブログ)

Konpon Daito Pagoda in Danjo Garan

The pagoda is a symbol of the main training center of the Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. It is 48.5 m high and is located in Danjo Garan which is one of the two most sacred places of Koyasan. The style of the pagoda is called Tahoto that has a columnar structure on top of a square base with a pyramid roof. This pagoda was the first building in Japan that adopted this style.

(Source: 関西観光記　)

Approach to Okunoin

The other sacred place is Okunoin which is the heart of the Shingon sect (faith in Kobo Daishi). It holds Gobyo (mausoleum of Kobo Daishi) and Torodo Hall. There are over 200,000 tombstones of emperors and ordinary people on the both sides of the 2 km approach. There are also tombs for notable feudal lords there.

(Source: 今を生きる大阪市電の敷石｡)

(Source: ふくいのりすけ)

Grand Head Temple of Koyasan Shingon Sect: Kongobuji

Kongobuji is the most important temple of over 3,600 Koyasan Shingon temples that are scattered throughout Japan. The temple consists of Shuden (main hall), Okuden Hall and Betsuden (annex). The sliding screen paintings in each building are very impressive. There are many other points of interest such as one of the largest rock gardens (Zen garden) in Japan called Banryutei.

(Source: 【日本人●荒川ヒロシ！Carry on! Carry out!】　)

Staying at a Temple: Shukubo

There are over 50 shukubo in Koyasan for overnight visitors. Visitors can experience a small part of Zen training here. They offer shojin ryori (a vegetarian dish), prayer in the early morning, sutra copying and mediation.