Legend has it that Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, threw his sankosho (a double ended, three pronged Buddhist ceremonial tool) from China, where he had been studying, toward Japan. Back in Japan, while in search of a place to headquarter his new religion, he came across his sankosho stuck in the branches of a pine tree on Koyasan and started construction of the Garan, Koyasan's central temple complex. The pine tree, that caught the sankosho, is still growing there.
The two most prominent buildings of the Garan are the Kondo Hall and the huge Konpon Daito Pagoda. The Kondo Hall is a large wooden temple hall where major ceremonies are held. The building has burned down multiple times over the centuries, and the current hall dates back to 1932. It enshrines an image of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of medicine and healing.
Next to the Kondo Hall stands the vermilion Konpon Daito Pagoda, a 45 meter tall, two tiered, tahoto style pagoda. A statue of the Dainichi Nyorai (Cosmic Buddha, also known as Variocana), the central Buddha in Shingon Buddhism, stands in the middle of the pagoda's interior and is surrounded by statues and paintings on pillars, which together make up a rare three dimensional mandala (a metaphysical map of the cosmos). Mandala are usually two dimensional paintings.
Kobo Daishi started building the Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda, however he was not able to finish them himself. His successors completed the construction of the two main structures and also expanded the grounds of the Garan with multiple additional halls and pagodas over time. Among these are the Toto (eastern pagoda), Saito (western pagoda), Miedo (founder's hall) and Koya Myojin Shrine, which enshrines Mount Koya's local kami (Shinto deities).
Getting there and around
The Garan lies in central Koyasan's town center, about a five minute walk from the Senjuinbashi intersection, and just a few steps from Kongobuji Temple.
Hours and Fees
Garan Grounds
Hours
Always open
Closed
No closing days
Admission
Free
Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda
Hours
8:30 to 17:00
Closed
No closing days
Admission
500 yen (each)
2500 yen (combination ticket that includes admission to the Kondo Hall, Daito Pagoda and various other sights on Koyasan)
2500 yen (combination ticket that includes admission to the Kondo Hall, Daito Pagoda and various other sights on Koyasan)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Hotels around Mount Koya
Top rated on Mount Koya
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Guest House hachi hachiGuest House hachi hachi is situated in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station, 43 km from Matsushita Park, and 45 km from Wanpaku Park. The 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. Subaru Hall is 48 km away and Naka Family Residence is 49 km from the guest house. At the guest house, each unit includes a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Guests at the guest house can enjoy a continental breakfast. A bicycle rental service is available at Guest House hachi hachi. Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km from the accommodation, while Jigenin Temple is 47 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 60 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Guesthouse KokuuKoyasan Guesthouse Kokuu, a property with a bar, is located in Koyasan, 40 km from Kishi Station, 45 km from Subaru Hall, as well as 47 km from Matsushita Park. With a terrace, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Free private parking is available and the guest house also provides bike hire for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. A continental breakfast is available at the guest house. Guests at Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu will be able to enjoy activities in and around Koyasan, like hiking. Kansai International Airport is 63 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Guest House Suzumeno KakuremboFeaturing 2-star accommodation, Guest House Suzumeno Kakurembo is set in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 44 km from Matsushita Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. Jigenin Temple is 47 km from the guest house and Subaru Hall is 48 km away. At the guest house, some units are soundproof. Wanpaku Park is 46 km from the guest house, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km away. Kansai International Airport is 60 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Shukubo YochiinLocated in the sacred Mount Koya area, μR hV χr@ -Koyasan Shukubo Yochiin- is a historic temple and an accommodation for visitors. Just to the left of entering sanmon gate, there is a stone garden created by the famous Mirei Shigemori and designated a natural monument by the Japanese government. Guests can experience temple activities such as meditation, sutra copying and tracing of Buddhist deities at an additional charge, if reserved in advance. Guests can also participate in morning prayers, which do not require reservation. All rooms at μR hV χr@ -Koyasan Shukubo Yochiin- are Japanese-style and feature tatami (woven-straw) floors. Traditional futon bedding, a TV, fan and heater are provided. Bathroom and toilet are shared with other guests. The spacious public baths feature a hot tub. On-site luggage storage is available. Guests with reservations that include a meal can enjoy delicately prepared homemade vegetarian meals featuring seasonal dishes. Convenience stores are located within a 3-minute walking distance from the property. It is a 10-minute walk from the famous Kongobuji Temple. Guests can visit the Buddhist temple, Danjogaran, just a 3-minute walk away.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Shukubo SaizeninLocated in the sacred Koyasan area, Saizenin offers simple accommodation surrounded by mountains and many temples. Originally developed as a lodging for the templesf pilgrims, it conducts Buddhist services every morning that guests can attend. Nankai Koyasan Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room comes with a flat-screen TV and a seating area. A safety deposit box is also provided. The μR hV ΌT@ -Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin- features luggage storage and free parking. Kansai International Airport is 40 km away. Nankai Namba Train Station in Osaka is a 2-hour train ride from the proprety. Healthy vegetarian meals are served in the guest room or in the dining room for dinner and breakfast.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Shukubo FugeninSet in Koyasan and only 38 km from Kishi Station, Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin offers accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking. This 3-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and bicycle parking. Matsushita Park is 45 km from the ryokan and Wanpaku Park is 47 km away. The ryokan provides certain units that feature inner courtyard views, and the units are fitted with a shared bathroom and a tatami. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan offers an Asian or vegetarian breakfast. Guests can also relax in the garden. Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 47 km from Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin, while Subaru Hall is 47 km away. Kansai International Airport is 61 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Shukubo JokiinLocated in Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, μR hV νμ@ -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- offers free private parking. All rooms include a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Rooms have a shared bathroom. μR hV νμ@ -Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin- features free WiFi throughout the property. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can participate in the morning prayers upon request. The property is a minute's walk from Kongobu-ji Temple. The temple building is also situated nearby.View on Booking.com -
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Koyasan Sanadabo RengejoinOffering garden views, Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin is an accommodation situated in Koyasan, 39 km from Kishi Station and 45 km from Matsushita Park. With a garden, the 4-star ryokan has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The ryokan features a public bath and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, each unit is fitted with a tatami. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with bathrobes, slippers and a hair dryer. The units are equipped with heating facilities. The ryokan offers an Asian or vegan breakfast. Subaru Hall is 47 km from Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 48 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 62 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Kongo SanmaiinSituated in the famous Koyasan city, Kongo Sanmaiin is a property with 800 years of history. It boasts having a national treasure as well as over 10 important cultural properties on site. There is a Japanese garden and free on-site private parking is offered. Guests will find free WiFi connection available in some guest rooms. There is a drinks vending machine, and fax/photocopying services are offered for free. The property features a designated smoking area. Luggage storage space and personal lockers are offered free of charge. Guestrooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms are air-conditioned/heated with a personal locker and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, while free toiletries and slippers are provided. Vegetarian course meals are offered on site.View on Booking.com -
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SekishoinFounded 1100 years ago and located in Mount Koyasan, guests can experience staying in a historical Buddhist temple at Sekishoin Shukubo. Japanese-style rooms are offered. Koyasan Cable Train Station is a 15-minute drive away. All rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Some rooms have free Wi-Fi access. A private bathroom is provided in rooms at the New Wing, and rooms in the Main Wing have shared bathrooms and toilets. Heating is available in all rooms. Sekishoin has a beautiful traditional garden and a drink vending machine is on-site. Photocopying and luggage storage is available. Guests can participate in monastic activities during the morning service. Traditional vegetarian cuisines are available for breakfast and dinner. All meals are served at the dining room. Sekishoin is a 10-minute walk from Kongobu-ji Temple and a 15-minute walk from the Tokugawa Family Tomb. Guests can visit various other temples in the area.View on Booking.com
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