Negoroji Temple

Negoroji (根来寺) is a temple complex located in the Katsuragi Mountains just north of Wakayama Citye. Founded in 1131 by an offshoot of the main Koyasan Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, it has since changed its affiliation to become the head temple of the minority Shingi Shingon school.

At the height of its power during the latter part of Japan's Muromachi Period (1336-1573), the temple grew into a city-sized religious community with over 450 subtemples and thousands of warrior-monks. Feeling threatened by their growing power, the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the complex in 1585 and many of its major buildings were destroyed.

Today, only a few clusters of buildings remain, spread across unusually extensive and open grounds rather than the more compact layout of most temples. Approaching from the Iwade Toshokan bus stop, one first arrives at the grand main gate, from where it is ten minutes' walk to the main area. Just beyond an elegant two-storied gate sits the Komyoden, a hall dedicated to Dainichi Nyorai, and two smaller pavilions tucked away behind a pond.

A few steps to the east is the Honbo or temple office, while the religious and architectural centerpiece - the Daito or great pagoda - can be found five minutes to the northwest, beside the temple's main worship hall and smaller Daishido. Just west of this area, a long avenue leads to the Okunoin, where the sect's founder Kakuban is entombed.

Most of the temple's existing buildings were constructed in the early Edo Period (1603-1868) when a major rebuilding effort was carried out, however both the striking Daito and small Daishi-do hall are original, dating to the 15th and 16th centuries respectively.

Although reduced in size and stature, the temple's attractive buildings, grounds and wooded surroundings make for a pleasant visit and can be comfortably explored in about two hours.