🗺️ Now at Koyasan今高野山

In the early Heian period, in the 13th year of the Kōnin era (822), Kōbō Daishi Kūkai founded this site, which has a history of 1,200 years and is a sacred place of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. It primarily consists of Ryugetsu-ji, Kongō-ji, and Niu Shrine, which are the special temples of Kōyasan in Kishu, and features 7 halls and 12 sub-temples, thriving as a center for temple administration. Despite facing natural disasters, the ravages of the Warring States period, and the great fire during the Edo period, many historically significant cultural treasures have been preserved, including the wooden statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon Hall, a masterpiece from the early Fujiwara period (designated as an Important Cultural Property), and the lion head of Niu Shrine, created during the Kamakura period, painted with gold dust and vermilion (also designated as an Important Cultural Property), all telling the story of past glory. Today, Kōyasan boasts unique natural resources, and the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons is a major highlight; the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves are particularly stunning and captivating. It is renowned as one of the top spots for autumn foliage in Hiroshima Prefecture, with the best viewing period from early to mid-November, attracting a large number of visitors, including photography enthusiasts.

The wooden Eleven-faced Kannon statue is open for viewing every year on August 20th. The vermilion drum bridge spanning the God’s Pond is the best spot for enjoying the autumn leaves. From the observation deck, you can take in the entire view of the Sera streetscape.