Mt.Koya-san高野山

Head Temple of Esoteric Buddhism, Shingon-mikkyo. The 25-meter-high Dai-mon Gate is the main entrance and invites visitors.

Mt. Koya-san is located in the northeastern part of Wakayama and is in Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park. On the peak of Mt. Koya-san, surrounded by mountains, is Kongobu-ji Temple, founded by Kobo Taishi, the Head Temple of Esoteric Buddhism, which has a 1200-year-long history. More that 120 temples are scattered throughout the area, thus forming a great religious city.

A number of structures exist in the mountain. For instance, the 25-meter-high Dai-mon Gate, Important Cultural Property, that has served as the main entrance to the temple ever since its founding day, or the temple structure complex, National Treasure, and the Danjo-garan complex. Koyazan-Reiho-kan Treasure House exhibits the tremendous cultural properties of Mt. Koya-san.

Lodging facilities are provided by the temple for the followers, available also for visitors. The meal served is Shojin-ryori, special vegetarian food using only vegetables, cereals and seaweed and avoiding meat and fish. Some of the temples offer chances to experience zazen, a kind of Zen Buddhist training.