Kongōbu-ji Temple
金剛峯寺 · 고야정
Buddhist temple in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
Contents
7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:53
Welcome to Kongōbu-ji, the administrative and spiritual heart of Mount Koya (Koyasan). Founded as the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, this site oversees more than 4,000 temples worldwide. …
Listen in the app2The Seimon Gate — The Threshold of Power1:47
The Seimon, or Main Gate, is the oldest surviving structure within the Kongōbu-ji complex, rebuilt in 1593. This gate is a 'National Important Cultural Property' and serves as the primary entrance for pilgrims and visitors. …
Listen in the app3Ohiroma and the Kano School Screens1:36
Entering the main temple building, the first major room you encounter is the Ohiroma, or Grand Hall. This space is used for 'important ceremonies' and high-level meetings of the Shingon sect. …
Listen in the app4The Willow Room — A Site of Tragic History1:27
Among the many rooms of Kongōbu-ji, the Yanagi-no-ma, or Willow Room, holds a particularly 'mysterious' and somber place in Japanese history. The room is named for the beautiful paintings of willows in the snow that decorate its…
Listen in the app5Banryutei Rock Garden — Dragons in a Sea of Clouds1:40
Located directly behind the main temple complex is the Banryutei, the 'largest rock garden in Japan.' Spanning over 2,340 square meters, this 'masterpiece' was created in 1984 to commemorate the 1,150th anniversary of Kobo…
Listen in the app6The Temple Kitchen — Feeding the Monastic Community1:25
Before leaving the main building, you must visit the Daidokoro, or temple kitchen. This area offers a fascinating look at the 'simple lifestyle' and administrative scale of the monks. …
Listen in the app7Closing1:23
As our tour of Kongōbu-ji concludes, I hope you carry with you a sense of the 'sacred power' and 'profound history' that defines this head temple. We have walked through gates that separate the mundane from the holy, admired the…
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What is Kongōbu-ji Temple?
Kongōbu-ji Temple is a place in 고야정 with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 고야정 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 7 |
| Total length | 11 min 11 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.2141, 135.5841 |
| Last updated |
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