Kongobu-ji Temple, Koya-cho
Kongobu-ji Temple
Kongobu-ji Temple
4.5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
74 within 3 miles
Bon On Shya
90
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • Vegetarian Friendly
Chudo Dining Sanbo
55
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Shojin
Kasakuni
47
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries
Higurashi
30
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Hanabishi
64
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine
Hamadaya
97
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine • Shojin
Fukuchiin
21
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Morishita Shoten
23
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese
Nishiri
35
397 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Syoueidou Honten
16
0.3 miJapanese • Japanese sweets parlour
Attractions
100 within 6 miles
Mt. Koya
823
221 ftMountains
Koyasan Daishi Kyokai
90
0.1 miReligious Sites
Jokiin
22
495 ftReligious Sites
Rokuji-no Kane
25
248 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Ichijo-in Temple
10
0.1 miReligious Sites
Koyasan Visitor Information Center
31
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Joren-in Temple
2
0.1 miReligious Sites
Koyacho Tourist Information Center
7
0.1 miVisitor Centers
Koyasan Danjo Garan
380
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Zofukuin Temple
21
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
509 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
193
Average
35
Poor
3
Terrible
1
travelerscal
Sacramento, CA1,397 contributions
The place is a very impressive Temple with outstanding wall painting, intricate layout and the biggest rock garden in Japan.
We used a free English speaking tour guide just for two of us. It was fun to chat with a local lady.
Of course, it must be visited while in Koyasan.
We used a free English speaking tour guide just for two of us. It was fun to chat with a local lady.
Of course, it must be visited while in Koyasan.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AB_Stb_OZ
Oud-Zuilen, The Netherlands600 contributions
Kongobu-ji temple is the center of the Shogun Buddhist community. There are many temples and subtemples and there is an interesting (huge) Zen Garden. Staff is highly accomodating to visitors.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert Y
Hong Kong, China85 contributions
Solo
Kongobuji is the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism. The screen paintings and the large rock garden are very impressive. Do spend some time sitting down in complete silence on the edge of the rock garden, you may find that you're in another world.
Written May 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug B
Cleveland, Ohio, United States18 contributions
Family
One is tempted to bypass this temple when visiting Koyasan and spend ones time at the cemetery. If you have 45 minutes, I would recommend a visit. Beautiful painted screens and an amazing stone garden, the largest in Japan.
Written April 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tonsterl
Sydney, Australia154 contributions
Solo
I visited there early in the morning when there was hardly any tourist buses started coming.
I didn't take any audio guide and strolled the various rooms. Fascinating artwork in each of the rooms.
Don't miss the rock garden! Absolutely amazing!
I didn't take any audio guide and strolled the various rooms. Fascinating artwork in each of the rooms.
Don't miss the rock garden! Absolutely amazing!
Written December 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gaurav B
Hong Kong, China56 contributions
Couples
We went to this place while we were just walking around in koyasan as it is one of the recommended places to go. There were a number of old halls and structures but being from India, we've seen our fair share of these things. Maybe it means a lot to somebody who knows more about the place but for us it was quite normal.
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
beroccstar
Ubud, Indonesia136 contributions
Couples
..and by definition I guess that means it's also the biggest in the world ;) Really worth paying to go in to see the rock garden otherwise it's just another temple.
At the moment they have a special night session from 6.30pm-8pm. We went at night and for a few moments really enjoyed the tranquility of the silent dark air on the precisely laid rocks. Unfortunately the serenity was quickly ruined by the entry of a family whose children ran around playfully screaming.. ah well. No tea or crackers at night and we missed the temple kitchen others speak of. Personally I wish we went in the daytime as the night lights don't do a great job of revealing the whole garden so we couldn't see it all.
At the moment they have a special night session from 6.30pm-8pm. We went at night and for a few moments really enjoyed the tranquility of the silent dark air on the precisely laid rocks. Unfortunately the serenity was quickly ruined by the entry of a family whose children ran around playfully screaming.. ah well. No tea or crackers at night and we missed the temple kitchen others speak of. Personally I wish we went in the daytime as the night lights don't do a great job of revealing the whole garden so we couldn't see it all.
Written September 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marathonwinner
Toronto, Canada116 contributions
Couples
The building is sort of ordinary if you've visited many other temples. There are some fine wall murals and good display labels that are fairly inspirational.
But make sure you follow the slightly hidden signs leading to the "Japanese Tea Service." This is code for free tea. More important, the tea area is slightly off the beaten path but seems to be the only way to see the famous rock garden - the largest rock garden in Japan. This is well worth seeing as it stretches around three sides of the temple and is really very good.
For some reason no one on site mentioned the tea or the garden to us, and there were few signs. We only stumbled upon it in our desperate drive for warmth.
But make sure you follow the slightly hidden signs leading to the "Japanese Tea Service." This is code for free tea. More important, the tea area is slightly off the beaten path but seems to be the only way to see the famous rock garden - the largest rock garden in Japan. This is well worth seeing as it stretches around three sides of the temple and is really very good.
For some reason no one on site mentioned the tea or the garden to us, and there were few signs. We only stumbled upon it in our desperate drive for warmth.
Written April 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rajesh444
Melbourne, Australia188 contributions
Couples
If you visit any shrine for a moment of utter peace and relaxation, then this is it. A beautiful temple, but it is the tranquil location and a sense of inner peace that makes this place so lovely.
Written January 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
theMVL
Toronto, Canada140 contributions
Solo
the largest in Japan, the Rock Garden at Kongobuji far exceeds the more famous banryūtei found at Ryōan-ji in Kyoto. The temple itself is pleasant enough, beautiful and serene, but is not all that memorable in country filled with Temples and Shrines.
Written January 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
618paulineh
44 contributions
怎樣前往高野山，從那個機場
Takechance
Kobe, Japan541 contributions
関西空港から車では72kmくらいの距離です。1時間20分くらい。
電車では南海特急で天下茶屋まで行って、南海高野線急行で橋本まで行ってください。そこまで80分くらい。各駅停車に乗り換えて極楽橋まで50分。南海高野山ケーブルカー（3月リニューアル）で5分。そこからは徒歩かバスで周遊してください。加油！
James C
Glasgow137 contributions
Can I purchase a wooden covered Goshuin at the temple and what does it cost?
Alejandro_14
Central Argentina, Argentina1 contribution
hola,
quisiera saber donde reservar para visitar kongobu ji temple ya que se me esta haciendo complicado encontrar algún link o email para pedir la reserva. alguien me podría indicar como lo hizo? muchas gracias
Frequently Asked Questions about Kongobu-ji Temple
- Kongobu-ji Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kongobu-ji Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Kongobu-ji Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kongobu-ji Temple:
- (0.08 mi) Jokiin
- (0.12 mi) Ichijoin
- (0.09 mi) Rengein
- (0.12 mi) Souji-in
- (0.12 mi) Tentokuin Temple
- Restaurants near Kongobu-ji Temple:
- (0.08 mi) Nishiri
- (0.08 mi) Donguri
- (0.09 mi) Katsumaya
- (0.14 mi) Chudo Dining Sanbo
- (0.13 mi) Maruman