This temple uniquely housed both Northern Court emperors and Southern Court imperial residences simultaneously during Japan's period of rival courts—an extremely rare historical arrangement.

Known as 'Women's Kōya-san,' Kongōji welcomed female pilgrims when the main Mount Kōya prohibited women, making it a vital spiritual center for Buddhist women throughout history.

Three seated Buddhist statues—Dainichi Nyorai, Fudō Myōō, and Gōzanze Myōō—were recently elevated to National Treasure status after restoration revealed their exceptional artistry.

The temple's monk-brewed 'Amano Sake' was so prized that warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi granted it an official vermillion seal certificate, making it legendary among samurai.