Thought by many to be the Kanto region’s most impressive temple, Kawasaki Daishi is the Head Temple of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism. It is also the third most visited temple in Japan during the New Year Holiday, when almost three million people crowd into the temple grounds over the first fe...
Ryozenji, or the Temple of the Vulture Peak, is traditionally the first stop on Shikoku’s famed 88 Temple Pilgrimage, established by disciples of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and the great temple complex at Koyasan.
Actually, many pilgrims begin in Koyasan, announcing their intent...
If you set out on foot from the Ropeway terminal at the top of Mt. Misen, youfll find the Reika-do Hall.
According to legend, this is the spot where the great monk Kobo Daishi performed ascetic practices in the year 806 AD. The founder of Shingon Buddhism, he is also called Kukai in Japan. Kukai i...
Within the incredible Shingon Buddhist mountaintop complex of Koyasan, about fifty temples function as shukubo, temples which provide overnight accommodations and meals for visitors. Shukubo also offer the opportunity to take part in the life of the religious community. This may involve joining i...
Within Koyasan, the most sacred spot in mind of most faithful is the resting place of founder Koba Daishi. In 835, according to believers, he passed into nirvana and awaits the coming of Maitreya, the Future Buddha in a state of eternal meditation.
The entrance to Okunoin is marked by the Ichi-n...
Kobo Daishi chose Koyasan largely for its topography. Eight peaks, suggesting the eight petals of a lotus, surround the valley. In fact, the entire valley of Koyasan stands at the center of an enormous mandala covering the mountain and, by extension, all of Japan. And the Konpon Daito, the “Funda...
Visitors to Koyasan will enter through the massive Daimon, or great gate. The 25 meter high vermillion gate was built in 1705, replacing an earlier structure. On either side of the gate, five-meter tall statues of the Nio guardians, also called the Kongo-rikishi, prevent demons and thieves from ga...
