Book your temple stay well in advance if you want to participate in the morning Buddhist ceremony (6:30 AM year-round) and meditation, as the temple accommodates up to 250 guests but fills quickly during peak seasons.
At a Glance
Six giant cedar trees on the grounds, each several hundred years old, have witnessed the temple's entire 800-year existence and still stand as silent monuments to its history.
The Tahōtō pagoda, built in 1223, is the oldest structure on Mount Kōya and contains a remarkable relic: strands of Minamoto no Yoritomo's hair wrapped around the central Buddha statue.
This temple offers 1 different goshuin designs
Same as opening hours
Regular
Facilities
Book your temple stay well in advance if you want to participate in the morning Buddhist ceremony (6:30 AM year-round) and meditation, as the temple accommodates up to 250 guests but fills quickly during peak seasons.
Plan to walk the temple grounds slowly to appreciate the six ancient cedar trees, each several hundred years old, which create a solemn atmosphere that reflects the temple's 800-year history.
The temple is located approximately 4 km from Gokurakubashi train station and 4.8 km from Koyasan Station, with free private parking available on the grounds.
Participate in sutra copying or Ajikan meditation if offered during your stay, as these hands-on practices connect you directly to the temple's Shingon Buddhist traditions.
3 structures on the grounds
1 officially designated assets
Important Cultural Property
Period: 1615-1660
Related structure: Guest Hall and Kitchen
Source verified: Sep 16, 2026
Official source · Agency for Cultural Affairs / National Institute of InformaticsSeasonal celebrations and special occasions
Welcoming of Myōjin-sama
A temple event to ceremonially welcome Myōjin-sama.
Special Opening of Treasures (FY2024)
A limited-period special opening allowing visitors to view treasures inside the temple’s main residence.
Sutra Copying
A Buddhist devotional practice offered as a temple experience.
Koya, Wakayama Prefecture
Not confirmed
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Book your temple stay well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Overnight guests can join the morning Buddhist ceremony at 6:30 AM year-round, as well as meditation. The temple is about 4 km from Gokurakubashi Station and 4.8 km from Koyasan Station, with free private parking on site.
Allow time to walk the grounds slowly and see six ancient cedar trees, each several hundred years old, which suit the solemn atmosphere and 800-year history. If available during your stay, try sutra copying or Ajikan meditation for a hands-on introduction to Shingon Buddhist practice.
CGPro memberChristopher GillespiePro shared a goshuin
CGPro memberChristopher GillespiePro checked in
A calm escape. Lovely architecture. Felt very tranquil
Kongo Sanmai-in
Koya, Wakayama
