Negoroji Temple

Negoroji (根来寺) is a temple complex located in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. Founded in 1131 by the 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. Threatened by their growing power, the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the complex in 1585 and many of its major buildings were destroyed.

Today, the temple features many attractive buildings spread across spacious grounds. Approaching from the Iwade Toshokan bus stop, one first arrives at the grand main gate, from where it is a few 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.

Just to the east is the Honbo or temple office, while a long avenue leads to the Okunoin, where the sect's founder Kakuban is entombed. The religious and architectural centerpiece is the Daito or great pagoda, the largest of its kind in Japan, which sits beside the temple's main worship hall and smaller Daishido in the northeast part of the grounds.

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.