# Kongobu-ji

> The administrative head temple of the Koyasan Shingon school, known for its sweeping tiled roof, painted sliding screens and Banryutei, said to be the largest rock garden in Japan.

- Prefecture: Wakayama
- Type: Temple
- Address: Koya, Wakayama, Japan
- Opening hours: Mon–Sun 08:30–17:00
- Admission: 1000 yen
- Official site: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/

Kongobu-ji is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect and the centre of the mountain monastery founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 816. The present main buildings date largely from the 19th century and hold rooms decorated with gold-ground screen paintings, including chambers connected to the warlord Toyotomi and the hall where a historic act of ritual suicide took place. Behind the temple lies Banryutei, a large karesansui rock garden whose stones are arranged as a pair of dragons emerging from a sea of raked gravel, often described as the biggest of its kind in Japan. Visitors are served tea in a large hall as part of the admission, and the temple sits within an easy walk of the Danjo Garan complex.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Kongobu-ji on Koyasan?

Take the Nankai line to Gokurakubashi, ride the cable car up to Koyasan Station, then a bus to the Kongobu-mae or Senjuinbashi stop; the whole trip from Osaka takes about two hours.

### What is included in the admission to Kongobu-ji?

Admission covers the screen-painted rooms, the Banryutei rock garden and a serving of tea and a sweet in the large hall; a combined ticket with other Koyasan sites is also available.

---
Source: Kongobu-ji — Japan Voyage