We will guide you to the world heritage sites of Koyasan and its foothills, Koya-Sanroku.
The world cultural heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Mountain Range” includes Koyasan as one of its constituent assets. 2024 will mark the 20th anniversary of registration. We offer guided tours of the constituent assets of Koyasan and Koya-Sanroku.
Koyasan Daimon Gate
The main gate of Koyasan. This large tower gate is approximately 25 meters high and 21 meters wide. A 4.8m tall Kongorikishi statue is enshrined on both legs of the gate. On days when the weather is nice, you can see Awaji Island in the distance.
Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex (Kompon Daito)
Danjo Garan is symbolic area of Koyasan. Since ancient times, the mail tower of Danjo Garan has been called the Kompon Daito because it was built as a symbol of the Kompon Dojo, where you can master the fundamental truth of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism.
The principal image of Kompon Daito is Dainichi Nyorai. It is surrounded by the four Buddhas of the Vajra world, the 16 great bodhisattvas are depicted on the 16 pillars, and the statues of the eight ancestors who transmitted esoteric Buddhism are painted on the four corner walls, and the hall itself is structured as a three-dimensional mandala.
Kondo of Danjo Garan
Kondo was the first temple built by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the time of the founding of Koyasan. At that time it was called the Auditorium. Since the mid-Heian period, it has played an important role as the main hall of Koyasan, and many important events are still held at this hall.
Koyasan is surrounded by mountains, and you can clearly feel the changing seasons. Especially in autumn, when the trees turn beautiful red, many tourists visit Koyasan.
The resident population of Koyasan is approximately 2,500 people, of which approximately 700 are monks. Koyasan is a religious city like no other in Japan, with nearly 30% of the population being monks. You can see monks practicing ascetic practices all over Koyasan.
Experience Ajikan
Ajikan is a meditation method unique to Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. By meditating while looking at the Sanskrit character “a”, you can realize that “the world and you are one.”
Niutsuhime-jinja Shrine Special Visit
Niutsuhime-jinja Shrine, located in the Amano district of Katsuragi Town of Koya-Sanroku, was deeply involved in the creation of Koyasan by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and has maintained a close relationship as the guardian shrine of Koyasan ever since. At this shrine, which is also a part of the World Heritage Site, you can make a special visit while hearing valuable stories from the Shinto priests.
You can also enjoy gagaku performances and kagura dance held at the shrine. How about thinking about the eternal history while enjoying the elegant melodies of the shrine that is a World Heritage Site?
Kishu Kudoyama Sanada Gun Corps
Kudoyama Town of Koya-Sanroku is where Sengoku warlords Masayuki Sanada and Nobushige, also known as Yukimura, father and son, were imprisoned and spending their time preparing for battle. At the Kishu Kudoyama Sanada Festival, which is held every year, a gun corps is formed to dress up as the Sanada army. You can watch their performances and sword fights all year round.