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History & Culture
Wakayama is known for being the location of the Kishu Domain, home to one of the three branches of the Tokugawa clan, during the Edo period (1603-1867) which was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. The feudal lord of the domain Tokugawa Yoshimune became, the eighth shogun, who was known for being a wise ruler. Wakayama Castle in the central part of Wakayama City shows just how strong and powerful he was. From the castle tower it's possible to view Wakayama City and the Kino River, which is one of the symbols of Wakayama. Koyasan is known as being the place where Shingon esoteric Buddhism was begun by the monk Kobo Daishi in 816, making it a holy ground for Japanese Buddhism. Kumano Shinko, a type of religion based in the worship of nature, developed long ago in the Kumano region which was visited by many pilgrims including retired emperors. The sacred sites of Koya (Koyasan) and Kumano (the Kumano Sanzan [Three Grand Shrines of Kumano]), along with the Koyasan Choishimichi and Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, are registered as the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Koyasan
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Koyasan was opened by Priest Kobo Daishi as a place for secret training in Shingon Buddhism. Even now it is home to a majestic and mysterious atmosphere that charms the people who visit there. The pilgrimage routes that connect Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are also famous as a wonderful place to view autumn foliage. |
Danjo Garan/Konpo Daito
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The Danjo Garan area can be described as the center of Koyasan, which was opened by Kukai as a place for secret training in Shingon Buddhism. Several temples (Buddhist temples) are located inside the area, and the 49-meter tall Great Stupa is of an especially splendid and impressive scale. |
Okunoin (inner sanctuary)
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The approximately two kilometer road that leads to the mausoleum of the monk Kobo Daishi - who is said to be carrying out his pursuit of knowledge even now - is surrounded by trees that are several hundred years old. There are also over 200,000 memorial towers, including those of feudal lords who made their mark on history. The groups of rocks illuminated with a divine light will surely make you feel a sense of perpetual history. |
Kongobuji Temple
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This temple, the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, was established by Kukai and has approximately 3,600 branch temples throughout Japan. It is located almost right on the center of the mountain top. Don't miss the beautiful fusuma (panel) paintings of seasonal flowers and birds, as well as Banryu Garden, Japan's largest rock garden. |
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes
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The Kumano Sanzan is made up of three holy sites which are the sources of nature worship and are home to huge rocks, trees, waterfalls, and rivers. You can walk along the pilgrimage routes around these sites while enjoying the many historical landmarks and stone Buddhist images that still remain. Several walking routes are available according to your preferences. |
In addition to the above information, you can find much more about “History & Culture.”
Please click on “Northern Area” or “Southern Area.”
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