Mt. Koya, sacred place in the sky
Kongobuji Temple, founded by Kukai in 816 as the fundamental center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, is located in the basin above the mountain at an elevation of approximately 900 m. The vast precincts of the temple are centered on Kongobuji Temple. Koyasan is a religious city on the mountain with a history of approximately 1,200 years of faith, and its steep mountain peaks and deep forests form a cultural landscape related to faith.
Kongobuji Temple, founded by Kukai in 816 as the fundamental center of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, is located in the basin above the mountain at an elevation of approximately 900 m. The vast precincts of the temple are centered on Kongobuji Temple. Koyasan is a religious city on the mountain with a history of approximately 1,200 years of faith, and its steep mountain peaks and deep forests form a cultural landscape related to faith.
Koyasan, as well as temples associated with Kongobuji Temple, such as Jison-in Temple and Niu-kanshoji Shrine at the foot of the mountain, are also part of this group, and each is connected to the other by a pilgrimage route, the Koyasan-choishimichi.
Inside of Koyasan
Head Temple Area
Daimon Gate Area
Temples Area
Oku no in Area
Kongo zanmai in Temple Area
Tokugawa Family Mausoleum Area
Outskirt of Koyasan
Kobo Daishi, Kukai
Kobo-Daishi Kukai was born in Tado no koori, Sanuki Province (Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture) in 774.
In 804, he went to study in Tang (China), where he met Keika Ajari, the seventh patriarch of the highest authority of Shingon esoteric Buddhism, and became its official eighth patriarchal successor.
Upon his return to Japan in 806, he established the Shingon sect and founded Kongobuji Temple on Koyasan in 816. This high priest spread his teachings throughout the country throughout his life.
In 835, he entered the priesthood at Koyasan.