【Koyasan(Wakayama, Japan) Trip Guide】Kongobuji/Okunoin/Buddhist temple stay

Thank you very much for watching!
This video showcases my solo journey exploring Koyasan’s Kongobu-ji Temple, Danjo Garan, Shukubo (temple lodging with vegetarian cuisine), and Okunoin. It includes related history and culture, as well as useful travel information such as access and nearby sightseeing spots.

If you are interested in:

Staying at a temple in Koyasan and experiencing events,
Enjoying a solo trip with temple lodging, vegetarian cuisine, and stunning views,
Learning about the history of Kukai, Buddhism, and architectural wonders like Kongobu-ji Temple,

please watch this video!

・About the Production
This video documents my three-day solo trip in Wakayama Prefecture. As it was the end of the year, there were few people around, and the pleasant breeze made for a relaxed and enjoyable stroll. At Fukuchi-in (a temple lodging) where I stayed, I was able to listen to a sermon and talks by the monks the next morning. This time, I joined a night tour of Okunoin, but next time, I’d like to visit during the day!
lease leave a comment with your thoughts on the video or any theories related to Kukai!

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【Table of Contents】
00:00 Opening
00:24 Overview of Koyasan
00:56 Model course for sightseeing in Koyasan
01:44 Overview of Kongobu-ji Temple
02:39 Banryutei Rock Garden
03:21 Gift Shop (Kongobu-ji Temple)
03:45 Main Entrance and Side Entrance
04:23 Overview of Danjo Garan
04:51 Great Pagoda
05:17 Great Pagoda Bell
05:38 Rokkaku Kyozo (Hexagonal Sutra Repository)
06:24 Overview of the temple lodging (Fukuchi-in)
07:49 Shojin Ryori (Vegetarian Cuisine)
08:53 Overview of Okunoin
09:47 Overview of Ekoin and Okunoin Night Tour
10:33 Geography and History of Koyasan
12:23 Kazutori Jizoson
12:53 Lanterns
14:09 Ending
15:01 (Reference) Access to Koyasan
16:11 (Reference) Recommended seasons and times to visit
17:07 (Reference) Appropriate clothing
17:31 (Reference) Coin lockers, luggage storage, and restrooms

【Featured Spots in the Video】
▼ Kongobu-ji Temple
URL: https://www.koyasan.or.jp/en/zentop/

▼ Danjo Garan
URL: https://visitwakayama.jp/en/attractions/detail_481.html

▼ Temple Lodging (Fukuchi-in)
URL: https://eng-shukubo.net/shukubo/fukuchi-in/

▼ Okunoin
URL: https://visitwakayama.jp/en/attractions/detail_515.html
【About Koyasan】URL: https://visitwakayama.jp/en/index.html

▼ Overview
Koyasan is a sacred site with over 1200 years of history, founded by the Buddhist monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi. Situated in a basin surrounded by mountains over a thousand meters high, Koyasan itself is not a single mountain. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, it boasts over 100 temples densely packed together. Visitors can enjoy exploring historic temples and savoring shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine). Recommended tourist spots include Kongobu-ji Temple, Okunoin, and various temple lodgings.

▼ Travel Tips and Rules
– Due to its high elevation, be prepared for snow and cold weather during winter.
– Since the New Year period tends to be crowded, it’s advisable to visit either early in the morning or in the evening.
– As the area is rich in nature, take precautions against insects and snakes.
– When visiting temples, avoid wearing revealing clothing.

【Quiz】
What are the roots of the vegetarian cuisine in Koyasan? (Check 08:41 in the video for the correct answer!)

1. Everyday food for monks
2. Offerings to the imperial family
3. Hospitality food for visitors
4. Dishes originated from China

【Access to Koyasan】

▼ Public Transportation (Total: 2 hours 30 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka, take the Midosuji Line subway to Namba Station, then transfer to the Nankai Koya Line to Hashimoto Station, passing through Gokurakubashi Station, and finally take the Nankai Koyasan Cable Car for 5 minutes to Koyasan.
https://www.koyasan.or.jp/en/access/
（GoogleMap） https://maps.app.goo.gl/T7zEFVYMZorA9Pqi8

– Nankai Koyasan Cable Car
This line connects Gokurakubashi Station, the terminal station of the Koya Line, and Koyasan Station, the gateway to the sacred land of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Opened in 1930 (Showa 5), it covers a distance of 0.8 km with an elevation difference of 328 meters, ascending almost the same height as Tokyo Tower in about 5 minutes.
https://www.nankai.co.jp/en_railway

▼ By Car (Total: 2 hours 30 minutes)
From Osaka, take the Hanshin Expressway Route 13 Higashi-Osaka Line/Route 13, the Kinki Expressway, and National Route 480 to Koyamachi Koyasan.
（GoogleMap）https://maps.app.goo.gl/G1eHsaafFDL8t2M58

– Parking
There are parking lots near each spot, so you won’t have trouble finding a place to park.
https://www.japantravelguide.site/tourist-attractions/index362_2.html

Voice By ondoku3.com

#koyasan #japan #travel

the kin opened by Kobo daisher Kai in this video we’ll introduce highlights and history of the spots you’ll see aiming to make your journey more enjoyable and enriching Japanese nature and history travel guide today it’s about [Music] coin kin is the name of a region located in eogan coacho town northern part of wakayama prefecture when it comes to wakayama prefecture shirahama Beach and the kumano Coto are famous but visiting kin is also hugely popular kosin is a sacred site with over 1,200 years of History founded by the Buddhist monk Kobo daer also known as Kai designated as a UNESCO world heritage site under the name sacred sites and pilgrimage roots in the key mountain range at this PO spot densely populated with 117 temples you can enjoy visiting historic temples and tasting shoin rii here we’ll introduce a recommended itinerary for exploring kosin start from the diamon gate the entrance to Ken here you can enjoy the Magnificent views of Ken danjo garan is located in the central part of Mount KOA where visitors can explore historical buildings and Buddhist sacred sites at lunchtime enjoy Shin rii at a restaurant or Temple lodging you can Savor dishes made with local ingredients at the heart of Coya you can experience Buddhist teachings and history at the kab buuji temple at the daer kyokai various exhibits and events are held where you can learn about the culture and traditions of Mount Coya at the inner sanctuary of kosin known as okano you can witness monks engaging in rigorous training in this video we’ll introduce you to kabji Temple danjo garan shoin rii and okano let’s start by exploring kabji Temple this video was filmed in Winter the weather was slightly Cloudy with a cool breeze blowing making it Pleasant to walk around kabuchi Temple is the head Temple of the shingan sect of Buddhism and serves as the symbolic center of kisin it houses many National Treasures and important cultural properties the grand building with a magnificent entrance was rebuilt in the third year of the bunu era the main hall is a large structure with 30 Bays from east to west and 35 Bays from north to south inside the building you can admire famous paintings in the main hall there is a sliding door painting titled cranes and Pines by cono tanu in the room where toyotomi hadu committed suicide known as the Willow Room there is a painting of a snow Willow and white herin by kotu the name kaboji Temple is said to have been given by Kobo daisher derived from a Sutra passage kabu Raku isoo let’s promptly proceed to explore the inside this this is the ban rute the ban ryot was constructed during the memorial service for the 1, 150th anniversary of the passing of Kobo daer the 2340 met Rock Garden boasts one of the largest in the country in this rock garden a pair of dragons one male facing left and one female facing right are depicted as if guarding the inner Sanctuary amidst a sea of clouds the stones representing the dragons are made of granite from shikoku the birthplace of Kobo d and the white sand representing the sea of clouds is said to be sourced from kyodo I was captivated by the patterns in the sand and couldn’t take my eyes off them there was a souvenir Corner kishu Neno Plum is characterized by its thin skin and thick flesh resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor kakuen is a local character active in Coya Town Ido District wakayama prefecture belonging to the head Temple of the shingan sect of Buddhism kabji Temple kakuen is based on a training monk the enclosed entrance corresponds to the main entrance and is called oen Con in the past only the emperor Imperial family members and high-ranking officials of kin were permitted to enter and exit through this gate this is called the Shogun con and it is used by the jashu officials in Kosen incidentally it is said that ordinary monks used to enter and exit through the back door currently the general entrance for pilgrims is being used this is the main gate of kabji Temple it’s a recommended spot for taking commemorative photos that’s all for kabji temple from kabji Temple we’re heading to danjo garan it’s just a 10 minutes walk so it’s nearby danjo garan is one of the two major sacred sites of kin along with okano it is the place where kukai immediately started construction when he opened k it is said to embody the worldview of mundela based on esoteric Buddhist thought with 19 Halls including the main hall a condo and the 48.5 M high kondo tower which serves as the central Hall of kisin the brightly colored round building is the DAT it is said to have been completed around from 8816 to 887 by kukai and his disciple shinz and daisher kukai also known as Kobo daer erected this datato also known as the tower of Dhaka as a symbol of the fundamental Dojo of shingan esoteric Buddhism it has been traditionally referred to as the kondo it is said to be the first of its kind in Japan in the style of a multi Tower pagota the bell of the dato it is said that kukai conceived the idea of casting it and it was finally completed during the era of shin and daisher due to its large size with a diameter of 2.12 M it became known as ioa Shiro being the fourth largest Bell in Japan even now it rings five times a day informing the time within coin this is raka kioo this Sutra repository was built by Empress B fuk manin the consort of Emperor Toba to enshrine a copy of the entire Sutra written in gold in on Indigo paper in order to commemorate the deceased Emperor Toba the entirety of the Buddhist scriptures known as the tripitaka originated from Empress by fuk manan’s donation of the kishu arakawa estate and came to be known as the arakawa Sutra therefore this hexagonal Sutra repository is also called the arakawa Sutra repository the current building was reconstructed in February of showa 9 there are handles near the base of the Sutra repository allowing the building itself to be rotated horizontally it is said that by making one rotation one can gain the Merit of chanting the entire tripitaka the Indigo paper with gold ink tripitaka enshrined in this Sutra repository is preserved in the ray hoken as an important cultural property we have arrived at the temple lodging fukuchan where we will be staying tonight a temple lodging is an accommodation facility built for monks parishioners and visitors at Buddhist temples shrines Etc many people consider the temple lodging itself as the destination of their Journey as it allows them to experience Temple culture and engage in spiritual practices fukuchan was founded over 800 Years Ago by the monk kakuen jari its main deity is aisen Mayo a Buddhist figure known for bestowing blessings of Good Fortune Harmony and successful relationships inside the temple grounds there are artifacts belonging to various Dao including the famous T NEOS from the sakur donga incident as well as ancient artworks dating back to the Nara period as you walk inside The Fragrant incense soothes your mind and relaxes you in the rooms traditional Japanese Furnishings such as tatami mats and sliding doors are used you can feel the good texture and experience traditional Japanese living black sesame SB is fragrant and known for its satisfying crunch delicious since we have time until dinner let’s take a bath the outdoor and indoor baths all three outdoor baths are made of koaki wood it feels like the fatigue of the journey is melting away let’s take a look at the souvenir Corner Coya tofu is said to have originated when monks began making as a frozen tofu during the Kamakura period it’s time for dinner let’s head to the dining area it’s a calm atmosphere Japanese style room the meal was already prepared we will enjoy the specialty Vegetarian Cuisine of the temple lodging it features simple seasoning that allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine at fukuchi in we emphasize locally sourced seasonal vegetables allowing you to savor the unique flavors of of kin such as quatu and kongji wasabi M it’s absolutely delicious now here comes a quiz which of the following is considered the root of coin shene Cuisine one everyday diet of monks two offerings to the Imperial Court three Hospitality dishes for visitors four dishes brought over from China the correct answer is three that’s all for fukuchan if you have any other recommended Temple lodgings please let us know in the comments after finishing the meal I will head outside let’s now join the okoy night tour okano along with the danjo garan is the spiritual center of Mount Koya where Kobo daer is enshrined along the approximately 2 km approach more than 200,000 tombstones of feudal Lords as well as numerous Memorial and senap stones are lined within a cedar Forest dating back a thousand years nowadays many monks and practitioners gather and events such as festivals are also held the annual kin candle Festival held in August decorates the approach from ichinohashi bridge to gobio bridge with lanterns and candl light commemorating the spirits of the deceased resting in okono and ancestors in addition kin hosts events such as the New Year’s shus ceremony and the annual aoba Matsuri in June we have arrived at kko in this is the meeting point for the okano night tour the participants are eagerly awaiting the start of the tour it seems there are many couples and families it’s 7:00 and the tour has begun let’s follow the guide to make sure we don’t miss anything the guide is a qualified local resident of Mount Coya who is authorized to guide visitors within the precincts of kabji Temple we will depart KO in around 7:00 p.m. and aim to reach the okono gusho area by around 8:20 p.m. in the night tour you can see a Fantastical okano that is quite different from during the day please note that this tour is intended for elementary school students and older since it’s dark with many steps we recommend daytime sightseeing for wheelchair users at each spot we’ll stop and the guide will provide explanations here we’ll provide explanations about coin kin is a basin surrounded by mountains rising to an altitude of over 1,000 M and there is no mountain named kin itself there are various theories about the origin of the name kin and there is no clear answer one of the leading theories is that kin got its name from the combination of a CO meaning High to denote the surrounding Peaks and a no indicating plane as it is a flat area surrounded by high mountains there’s also a theory that the name originated from a place called COA mentioned in the scriptures brought back by kukai from Tang China and the area was named after it kukai returned from Tang China in 806 and founded kin in 816 he practiced aestheticism in the harsh natural environment and established kin as a place for esoteric Buddhist practices subsequently kin flourished under the guidance of Kai’s disciples and shingan Buddhist monks temples and training grounds were established and it became known as a sacred site of esoteric Buddhism in the early 12th century the retired Emperor garawa supported Mount Coya as an important religious institution leading to the construction of many temples and subtles even during the Waring States period kin maintained relative stability and received protection from Odun Naga and toyotomi hioshi in the Edo period kosin received protection from the Tokugawa Shogun leading to the expansion of Temple Estates kin remains an important site for Buddhist practice today attracting many tourists and Believers currently there are 50 Temple lodgings and 117 temples furthermore it’s said that there were 2,000 temples during the Edo period however it is said that the number decreased to the current figured due to fires and mergers between temples this is a map of okano we’ll walk in the order of ichinohashi bridge nakan ohashi bridge and goo bridge this is the cator J bosatsu it is said to count the number of people walking along this street after death people are judged by King enma to determine whether they go to paradise or hell this jizo statue appears before those sentenced to Hell by King enma and based on the number of times the person comes to pray persuades King enma to allow them entry to Paradise what a kind jeso statue if you definitely want to go to paradise please make sure to visit OKO a lot I’m currently in front of a lantern lanterns are lined up on both sides of the road around here one side of the Lantern’s hole represents the phases of the Moon while the other represents the sun Master Kobo daisher often likened the mind to the Moon just like the moon the Mind changes its appearance every day in the same way the mind also waxes and waines sometimes shining brightly and at other times dimming furthermore the sun represents dichi illuminated by that light the beauty of the mind is nurtured it’s a teaching urging us to cultivate such a mind understanding the meaning of the teaching one also feels the Lantern’s light as something special doesn’t one the guide also shared various other things with us I’m glad I participated as I learned a lot about the history culture and teachings of coin experiencing the different scenery and sense of okano at night distinct from those during the day is also a highlight of the night tour if you ever find yourself uncertain about your itinerary for coin consider taking a tour we’ll pass through the Final Destination gobio bridge and the tour will conclude participants will return to their Temple lodgings individually either by bus or on foot that concludes today’s journey to coin the head Temple of shingen Buddhism founded by Kobo daisher kukai is Mount Koya in recent years there have been challenges such as an aging population and a shortage of successor monks but it seems that there have been new initiatives led by Young monks and strengthen collaboration with local residents a center of Buddhist culture with a history of over 1,200 years may it continue to shine and enchant many people in the future thank you very much for watching if you liked this video I would be happy if you could press the good button I will continue to post more travel guide videos where you can enjoy nature and history so please also subscribe to the channel thank you I will introduce how to get there by public transportation it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka in total from Shin oaka take the mitui line Subway to nambas station then transfer to the N Kai Koya line via Hashimoto and proceed to GO kuushi Station from there take the nanai kosin cable car and arrive at Mount Kya in just 5 minutes the Nang Kai kin cable car is a route that connects the Terminus station of the nangai Koya Line gok kuushi station with kin station the gateway to mount Coya a sacred site of shingan Buddhism it was opened in 1930 and spanned 0.8 km in total length with a vertical rise of 328 M it ascends to almost the same height as Tokyo Tower in about 5 minutes the recommended seasons are the pleasant climates of spring and Autumn especially in Autumn the mountains adorned with autumn leaves are exceptionally beautiful summer is hot but with long hours of sunlight there is plenty of time for strolling in winter snow requires caution for those driving it’s recommended to have snow chains and other preparations ready if you’re uneasy about driving on Snowy roads consider using public transportation regarding the timing for sightseeing early morning strolls are also enjoyable due to its high altitude Mount Coya sometimes offers views of sea of clouds early in the morning please enjoy the Magnificent view of the sea of clouds spreading out in the Valley from the temples night strolls are also recommended on especially clear days you can enjoy the beautiful Starry Sky spread out among the mountains Mount Coya offers enjoyable sightseeing regardless of the time of day however since it can get crowded with many visitors during New Year’s visits it’s recommended to visit in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds due to its high altitude and abundant nature please remember to take precautions against insects and snakes on Mount Coya wear long sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin and in Winter use a windbreaker for cold protection the attire etiquette when entering temples is the same as general Japanese temples and shrines let’s avoid clothing with a lot of exposure such as Minik skirts offsh shoulder tops distressed jeans Etc there are four coin lockers available at Mount Coya the baggage storage is located in the office of the kin station of the cable car there are plenty of toilets available including barrier-free options so you won’t have trouble finding one Japanese nature and history travel guide please subscribe to the channel thank you do