Kongobuji Temple (Koyasan)
UNESCO World Heritage
高野山金剛峯寺
Kongobuji is the head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, located near the center of the Koyasan mountaintop. Koyasan dates back to 816, and the temple was built in 1593 and rebuilt in 1863. Inside, visitors walk through rooms decorated with cranes, flowers and plum and willow trees. You can also see a large old kitchen and the Banryutei Rock Garden.
Visitor information
- Admission
A small fee is charged to enter; a combination ticket for Koyasan's major sights is also available.
- Getting there
Take the Nankai Rinkan Bus from Koyasan Station and get off at Kongobuji-mae.
Koyasan Station is reached by cable car from Gokurakubashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- Visitors take off their shoes to enter the temple buildings.
- The Koyasan Tourist Information Center rents English audio guides.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- All of Koyasan, including its smaller temples, shops and homes, is treated as sacred ground. Please behave quietly and respectfully as you walk around.
- Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
- Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
- Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Wakayama and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Wakayama
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:47
- Sunrise06:22
- Dhuhr11:45
- Asr14:41
- Maghrib17:03
- Isha18:28
Times are calculated for Wakayama City. Times may differ elsewhere in Wakayama.
Places to pray near Kongobuji Temple (Koyasan)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Kongobuji Temple (Koyasan)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: DimiTalen, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): japan.travel, visitwakayama.jp, mlit.go.jp