John Varghese
Google
We visited the Kongobuji Temple in Wakayama on a pleasant 15°C temperature day. This head monastery of the Shingon sect, stands as a testament to Japan's rich cultural and spiritual history. Originally constructed in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was later merged with a neighboring temple, becoming the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, a sect introduced by Kobo Daishi in 805. The Ohiroma Room, adorned with gilded sliding doors featuring cranes painted by Kano Tanyu, is a significant site within the temple, used for important rituals and ceremonies. Adjacent to this room are the Plum and Willow Rooms, each named for the paintings on their sliding doors, with the Willow Room being the site of Toyotomi Hidetsugu's ritual suicide. Visitors to Kongobuji can experience a moment of tranquility with tea and a cookie in a large tatami hall, surrounded by fusuma decorated with 20th-century paintings that narrate the story of Kobo Daishi. The Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan's largest, features large rocks from Shikoku, symbolizing dragons emerging from clouds, a nod to the birthplace of Kobo Daishi. The journey through Kongobuji culminates in the Jodannoma Audience Room, an opulent space once used to receive dignitaries, with gold-gilded walls and carved floral ceilings, before concluding in the temple's expansive kitchen, equipped to serve a multitude. This temple not only serves as a place of worship but also as a bridge connecting visitors to the profound legacy of Shingon Buddhism and the historical narrative of Koyasan.
Remember to take the audio guide at the Information Centre, which is not where you buy the tickets.
There quite a lot of walking required and you take off your shoes at the entrance and have wear slippers provided by the temple authorities.
In Wakayama there is nothing else to do, only temples and temples. No convince stores anywhere near the temple, so stock your snacks and waters before you enter the temple precincts.
