Kongobuji Temple

Kongobuji (金剛峯寺, Kongōbuji), the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, is a significant site on Koyasan. Originally built in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to honor his mother, the temple was later expanded and merged with a nearby temple to become the center of Shingon teachings. Visitors entering the temple first encounter the Ohiroma Room, known for its gilded sliding doors adorned with crane paintings by Kano Tanyu. Nearby, the Plum and Willow Rooms feature artwork that adds to the temple’s rich cultural heritage, including the tragic history of Toyotomi Hidetsugu’s ritual suicide in the Willow Room.

The temple complex also includes a large tatami hall where guests can enjoy tea and cookies, offering a tranquil break. An adjacent building displays modern artworks depicting seasonal flowers and the journey of Kobo Daishi. The highlight of the temple is the Banryutei Rock Garden, the largest of its kind in Japan. Designed in 1984, this garden represents two dragons emerging from clouds, using large rocks from Shikoku, Kobo Daishi’s birthplace. Visitors also explore the Jodannoma Audience Room, lavishly decorated with gold and intricate carvings, and the temple’s enormous kitchen, capable of serving up to 2,000 people.