Visit during autumn to experience the temple's famous momiji (maple) foliage in the gardens, which has been celebrated since the Edo period, though note that the temple is also known for academic success amulets if you need prayer items for students.
Plan your visit around the limited bus schedule from Kawachinagano Station, which runs approximately once per hour, and confirm return bus times before exploring to avoid being stranded at this remote location.
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.
Visit Kanshinji Temple too to get the full picture of the Koya Kaido pilgrimage route. Together, the two temples show how this historically important area served as the Southern Court’s imperial residence.
Buy the combined ticket for the temple grounds and the honbo to see the national treasure Nichi-Getsu Sansui Byobu screen. Keep your ticket with you to avoid losing it between buildings—staff can help if it happens.
Visit the Kondo hall for special openings to see the newly designated national treasure statues of Dainichi Nyorai, Fudo Myoo, and Gozanze Myoo. They’re shown only a few times a year after restoration and return from Kyoto and Nara.
