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
Budget:
-
-
![]()
Guest House hachi hachiOffering quiet street views, Guest House hachi hachi is an accommodation situated in Koyasan, 37 km from Kishi Station and 43 km from Matsushita Park. The 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation features full-day security and bicycle parking for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a desk. The units are equipped with heating facilities. A continental breakfast is available at the guest house. A bicycle rental service is available at Guest House hachi hachi. Wanpaku Park is 45 km from the accommodation, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 46 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 60 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Koyasan Guesthouse KokuuLocated just 40 km from Kishi Station, Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu offers accommodation in Koyasan with access to a terrace, a bar, as well as luggage storage space. It is set 45 km from Subaru Hall and features bicycle parking. The guest house provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. For added convenience, the property can provide towels and linens for a supplement. At the guest house, every unit includes a shared bathroom with slippers. A continental breakfast is available at the guest house. The area is popular for hiking, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Matsushita Park is 47 km from Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu. Kansai International Airport is 63 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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 -
![]()
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 -
![]()
Koyasan Sanadabo RengejoinOffering a garden and inner courtyard view, Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin is situated in Koyasan, 46 km from Matsushita Park and 48 km from Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore. The 4-star ryokan has garden views and is 39 km from Kishi Station. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. 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 48 km from Koyasan Sanadabo Rengejoin, while Jigenin Temple is 49 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 62 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
SojiinSojiin, located in the center of Mt. Koya, is a Japanese-style accommodation in a Buddhist temple located to the west of Sohonzan Kongobu-ji and in front of Danjo Garan. For dinner and breakfast, we offer gluten-free vegetarian cuisine. Sojiin is 42 km from Sakai. The nearest airport is Kansai International Airport, 40km from the property.View on Booking.com -
![]()
Koyasan Shukubo FumoninSituated just 45 km from Matsushita Park, Koyasan Shukubo Fumonin features accommodation in Koyasan with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a lift. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 38 km from Kishi Station. The ryokan has family rooms. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All units at the ryokan have air conditioning and a desk. The ryokan offers an Asian or vegetarian breakfast. Wanpaku Park is 47 km from Koyasan Shukubo Fumonin, while Kii Fudoki No Oka Museum of Archaeology and Folklore is 47 km from the property. Kansai International Airport is 61 km away.View on Booking.com -
![]()
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
-
