Kokawa-dera
粉河寺
The third temple on the Saigoku Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. Its main hall is the largest of all Saigoku temple buildings, and the stone garden is a national place of scenic beauty.
Kokawa-dera was founded in 770 and is the third temple on the Saigoku Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage. Its National Treasure, the *Kokawa-dera Engi Emaki* scroll, tells the story of its origins. The two-tiered main hall is the largest building of all the Saigoku temples, and the “Kokawa-dera Garden” in front of it, made of heaped boulders, is designated a national place of scenic beauty. The main gate, middle gate, and the buildings are all Important Cultural Properties. Entry to the grounds is free, though some treasure halls charge admission. It is about 15 minutes on foot from Kokawa Station on the JR Wakayama Line, and about 40 minutes by train from Wakayama Station, so it can be combined with Negoro-ji in a single day.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Negoro-ji
- Kishi Station
- Hinokuma & Kunikakasu Shrines
- Wakayama Ramen (Ide Shoten)
- Kimii-dera
- Wakayama Castle
- Wakanoura & Tamatsushima Shrine
- Kishu Toshogu