Koyasan mountaintop pilgrimage of 1,200 years history

 

 

Highlights:

• Hike and explore the mountaintop sanctuary of Koyasan in deep nature

• Visit Koyasan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Learn the Basics of Japanese Buddhism (Shingon Buddhism is one of the sects ) and history

• Experience 

• See the vast collection of priceless treasures, outstanding Buddhist arts

 

 

 

About Koyasan:

 

Koyasan was founded about 1200 years ago by the great Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi Kukai (弘法大師 空海 774-835 ) as the center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhist study, practice, and training.  Kobo Daishi was originally sent to China as one of the Japanese envoys to study the newest Buddhism for 20 years.  However, within 2 years, he mastered and received the entire authentic teachings, the title of a successor, and many religious objects of Esoteric Shingon Buddhism from the Chinese grandmaster.  After his return back to Japan, Kobo Daishi was granted Mt. Koya by the Emperor as an ideal location to build a monastery.  Today, Kobo Daishi is known and respected also as a scholar, civil servant, calligrapher, writer, and civil engineer. 

Located about 900m above sea level on a mountaintop, Koyasan has developed as a small town with many temples, monasteries, schools, museums, and shops, and has been a popular pilgrimage destination for centuries.

In 2004, Koyasan was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range and the Cultural Landscapes that Surround Them”. 

 

Konpon Daito (根本大塔)

 Located among the Daijo Garan monastic Complex, Konpon Daito (literally means “Fundamental (根本) Great (大) Stupa（塔）”) was built as a symbol of the ideals of Shingon Buddhism.  The inner Sanctum of the 48m tall vermilion stupa is a brilliant three-dimensional Mandala or a metaphysical map of the cosmos with Dainichi Nyorai (Buddha Mahavirochana or Cosmic Buddha=same as the Daibutsu enshrined in Todaiji Temple in Nara ) at the center.  

 

Kongobu-Ji Temple (金剛峯寺)

 It is the official headquarter of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. Here we can experience Ajikan (阿字観) meditation (reservation and additional fee needed). 

 

Reihokan Museum

 This museum displays the finest art of Koyasan.  Many of the most outstanding examples of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, craftworks, scriptures, and historical documents in Japan are found here. 

 

Okunoin

 It is a sacred cemetery path that extends about 2 km, starting from Ichi-no-hasi toward Kobo Daishi's Shrine.  On both sides of the path, there stand centuries-old Japanese cedar trees and over 200, 000 graves and stone monuments in a serene, purified atmosphere. Tombstones are placed here with the ashes of the deceased, for here is believed to be the most respectful place for the spirits. 

 

Kobo Daishi Gobyo (弘法大師御廟: Mausoleum of Kobo Daishi)

  This is the most sacred place of Koyasan where Kobo Daishi is believed to be in his eternal meditation since 835, in accordance with his own prediction. 

Every day, meals are offered to Kobo Daishi twice a day in a ritualistic manner.  

 

 

 

Koyasan is located in Wakayama prefecture, and is accessible by public transportation

from Osaka by Nankai Line, Cable car, and Nankai RinkanBus.,

 Today, many visitors stay a night at a Koyasan Shukubo, or temple lodgings.

Many of them offer Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian meals) to overnight guests.

 Lunch at Shukubo temples can be arranged.

 

 

    

<One Day Course > 8  hours    ¥3,0000/ person ~  

2-3 people  ¥45,000  

For rates for additional people, please message me using the inquiry form below.