Kongobuji is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect and the administrative centre of the entire mountain monastic community. The current main building dates from 1863, though the site has been occupied since the Muromachi period. Inside, the sliding screen paintings by Kano school artists are among the finest examples of that tradition. The Banryutei rock garden — the largest karesansui dry garden in Japan — occupies an entire courtyard and represents two dragons emerging from cloud sea. Admission is around ¥1,000.
Kongobuji Temple
Head temple of Shingon Buddhism with Japan's largest rock garden