Trip to Koyasan in Wakayama, Japan | Kongobu-ji, Great Portrait Hall Mie-do, Okuno-in, Danjo Garan

Come along for your road trip to Koyasan in Wakayama, Japan. #koyasan #japantravel #japanvlog

In the year 816 AD, a monk by the name of Kukai (774 ~ 835 AD), posthumously named Kobo Daishi, founded Shingon Buddhism and the monastery complex known as Koyasan. Located in the lush Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park.

Its 117 intricately crafted buildings are the vestiges of the more than 2,000 temples that existed during the height of the Edo era (1603 – 1868).

In 2004, recognizing the unique and remarkable universal value of these three sites, Koyasan, Kumano Sanzan, and Yoshino and Omine (Nara Prefecture), as well as the connecting pilgrimage routes to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shukubo Temple Retreats For a culturally illuminating encounter, staying overnight at one of the 52 temples offering accommodations is an experience of a lifetime. Each temple’s design uniquely showcases aspects of Japanese philosophy and aesthetics. All visitors are welcome, and can not only see the inner workings of Shingon monastic life, they can also take part. To enter the quietude, practices such as meditation.

Temples:

As the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, Kongobu-ji Head Temple is one of the most prominent sites at Koyasan and features elegantly painted sliding doors (fusuma) and the Banryutei, Japan’s largest rock garden. Architectural buffs will enjoy the traditional fire prevention system, consisting of barrels collecting rainwater to dampen the cypress bark roofing.

The Great Portrait Hall Mie-do, which contains a painting of the founding monk Kobo Daishi, stands out as the only temple structure with a gradually sloping roof, and deep eaves.

The Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex marks the center of Koyasan, and was the first site built on, as a venue for secluded ascetic training. Here stands the 48.5 meter tall vermillion-colored Konpon Daito (Great Tower), believed to be Japan’s first square two-storied pagoda.

Okuno-in: Considered the holiest location in Koyasan, along the 2 km path to monk Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum are more than 200,000 tombstones and commemorative monuments. Walking down this cedar-lined path is like flipping through the history pages of Japan. Tributes to shoguns, writers, actors, poets and even companies such as the confectioner Glico, mark this path.

Pilgrimage routes: The feet of many have trod in search of tranquility on the mountains of Wakayama. To make the alpine ascent, pilgrims typically took Koyasan ChoishiMichi Pilgrimage Route, built at the same time as Koyasan. Named after the 3 m high stone stupas (choishi) lining the way, this 24 km trail begins at Jison-in Temple and ends at Okuno-in. Today both recreational hikers and devotees alike make the 7-hour journey leading to Koyasan’s Daimon entrance gate – one of the hundred top spots in Japan to view the sun set and sun rise.

I am a foreigner (Mexican American) living and renovating a traditional Japanese house in rural Japan. We bought an old Vacant Japanese house (Akiya). This abandoned Japanese house is in rural Japan. Follow our Akiya house renovation and Japanese countryside living. I bought a JDM Kei truck AKA Japanese Mini Truck to help clean the previous owner’s property and daily Japanese rural living. We travel Japan as much as possible and provide travel tips in Japan.

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Other sources of information for Realestate in Japan:
Recommend opening in Chrome for English translation.

Dave Olson’s website:
Dave provides many links and information Akiya and Komika purchase.

“Akiya” abandoned, cheap/free* houses in Japan / annotations, resources, riffs, musings, stories

At Akiya Sumai you can search for vacant houses around Japan.
https://akiya.sumai.biz

At Ie Ichiba there is a Bulletin board to search vacant houses / Akiya Houses and old buildings in Japan
https://www.ieichiba.com

At Akiya Banks you can find Japanese akiya by city, village, or municipality.
https://www.akiyabanks.com/?fbclid=IwAR1s26-jEUVXEQ_WP9Vum9GRg_dyXwwUaymxG2a1Cyjp2-L7GDxaTZgCqEs

Trip to Koyasan in Wakayama, Japan | Kongobu-ji, Great Portrait Hall Mie-do, Okuno-in, Danjo Garan

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