Danjo Garan & Konpon Daito
壇上伽藍・根本大塔
The first training complex Kūkai built, with the vermilion Konpon Daito pagoda standing 48.5 m tall; its interior is a three-dimensional mandala.
Danjo Garan is the first training complex Kūkai began building when he founded Mount Kōya in 816, and together with Okunoin it is one of the two most sacred sites on the mountain. The vermilion Konpon Daito pagoda stands 48.5 m tall (rebuilt in 1937). Inside, a three-dimensional mandala centers on Dainichi Nyorai, surrounded by sixteen great bodhisattvas and painted pillars, which is truly striking. The complex also includes the Kondō (main hall), the Mieidō, and the Chūmon gate rebuilt in 2015 for the 1,200th anniversary of the founding. Walking around the grounds is free; the pagoda and Kondō cost about 500 yen each, and it's open 8:30–17:00. It's a 5-minute walk from Kongobu-ji.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00 (Great Pagoda and Golden Hall)
Nearby sights
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum
- Koyasan Daishi Kyokai
- Kongobu-ji Temple
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
- Nyonindo Hall
- Daimon Gate
- Kongo Sanmai-in Temple
- Karukaya-do Hall