I’m not sure how many times this trip was canceled, so I decided if this schedule is going to be canceled i’m not going to Koyasan ever. Rain or shine Conchie and I decided to go, even though both of us sprained our feet

Koyasan is the spiritual center of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, which was established by a priest named Kukai about 1200 years ago. Until 1872, Koyasan was closed to women.

Nyonindo houses the guardian deity Kosugi who is also the venerated Kosugimyojin. Kosugi opened this hall to looked after women pilgrims, who at that time were not allowed to enter Koyasan. This is the first so called “women’s hall”.

Daimon, is the majestic entrance gate to the mountain complex. The present structure was reconstructed in 1705, and two fiercely glaring deities flank the sides.

Kondo. Built by Kukai in 819, Buddhist services important for the whole mountain complex are performed here. The current structure was rebuilt for the 7th time in 1932.

Konpon Daito. Completed in 1937. The principal deity is Taizokai Dainichi Nyorai and images of the four Kongokai Buddhas are enshrined inside.

Meido. Kukai is said to have lived here. The hall became known as Meido(Hall of Eternal Rest) when a portrait of the great teacher was enshrined here. Reconstructed by Tokugawa of Kishu in 1848.

Saito. This tahoto pagoda stands 27 meters high amongst giant cedar trees to the northwest of the Garan.

Kongobuji Temple

Okunoin Gobyo. An Enormous Graveyard. This holy ground is central devotion to Kukai, and is still visited by many people today.

Torodo, lantern temple. The votive lantern, Hinnyo-no-itto, Oteru, Shirakawa-to, have burned in this hall uninterrupted for thousand of years. And the flames from thousands of other lanterns donated by the devout nationwide immerse the hall in sublime quietude.

Unfortunately taking picture beyond the bridge, the ground of Torodo, is prohibited. But I think this is my favorite part of the trip. The hall was eerie with all those lantern, but at the same time, it gave you as sense of mysticism

The cheapest way to go Koyasan is to get the Koyasan Free Sabic which cost 2780 yen. It includes round trip ticket from Nankai Namba Station to Koyasan, Bus within Koyasan and some discount coupon for some temples and omiyage shops. The ticket is good for 2 days within Koyasan, so if you are planning to stay at one of the temples in Koyasan, this ticket is worth it.

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