Kongobu-ji Temple
金剛峯寺
Head temple of the Kōya Shingon sect, rebuilt from a temple that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had built for his mother. It features Japan's largest stone garden, Banryū-tei.
Kongobu-ji is the head temple of roughly 3,600 Shingon Buddhist temples on Mount Kōya. The main hall traces its origins to Seigan-ji, built in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi for his late mother. Inside, you'll find Kanō school wall paintings and the Yanagi no Ma (Willow Room), where Toyotomi Hidetsugu performed seppuku. The Banryū-tei, Japan's largest stone garden at about 2,340 square meters, uses 140 granite stones to symbolize twin dragons in the clouds. After your visit, you can enjoy free tea and sweets in the large hall. Admission is about 1,000 yen; open 8:30–17:00. Get off at the 'Kongobu-ji-mae' bus stop, which is right next to the temple.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Koyasan Daishi Kyokai
- Tokugawa Mausoleum
- Koyasan Reihokan Museum
- Danjo Garan & Konpon Daito
- Kongo Sanmai-in Temple
- Nyonindo Hall
- Karukaya-do Hall
- Ekoin Temple