Karukaya-do Hall
苅萱堂
The legendary site of a tragic story in which the samurai-turned-monk Karukaya Dōshin and his son Ishidōmaru met but did not recognise each other.
Karukaya-dō lies on Odawara-dōri on the way to Okunoin. According to legend, the samurai who became a monk, Karukaya Dōshin, practised here. His son Ishidōmaru came to Mount Koya searching for his father. The two met but did not recognise each other. In the end Ishidōmaru also became a monk, and both spent the rest of their lives practising on Mount Koya. Inside, picture-panel screens tell this story, a classic theme of Japanese storytelling and jōruri puppet theatre. Entry is free. Get off at the 'Karukaya-dō-mae' bus stop, about 5 minutes' walk from Ichi-no-hashi. It is convenient to stop in on the way to Okunoin.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Ekoin Temple
- Kongo Sanmai-in Temple
- Kongobu-ji Temple
- Koyasan Daishi Kyokai
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum
- Okunoin
- Danjo Garan & Konpon Daito