The Daimon, or "Great Gate," stands at the entrance to Kōyasan. Like all temple gates, it marks the boundary between the everyday world and a sacred place beyond.

In its present location the Daimon is ideally situated to perform this function. While a person is still in front of this gate, the valley below remains in view. But once they pass through the gate, they can no longer see the world they have left behind.

Originally, however, the entrance to Kōyasan was marked by a Shinto torii gate located a few hundred meters below. In 1141, it was replaced by a Buddhist-style gate and was moved to the current location. Since that time, the Daimon has been repeatedly destroyed by fires, most recently in the year 1688.

The current structure, which dates from the year 1705, is designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. At a height of 25.1 meters, it is one of the largest temple gates in Japan.

Kongō Rikishi

Two wooden statues of Kongō Rikishi stand on the left and right sides. At approximately 5.5 meters in height, they are second in size only to those at Nara's Tōdaiji Temple. It took four sculptors ten years to complete them in the year 1703.

These warrior-like figures, also known as Niō, or "Benevolent Kings," are believed to have protected the Historical Buddha when he traveled throughout India. They have since been adopted into the Buddhist pantheon and now stand guard at the entrance to many temples.

The mouth of the guardian on the right is open to represent the sound "ah," and he is therefore called Agyō. Ungyō, his companion, has his mouth closed as he pronounces the sound "hum."

Together these two syllables create the sound "aum," which is the Sanskrit word for absolute truth or ultimate reality. Like the "alpha" and "omega" of the Greek alphabet they represent the beginning and end of all things.

Two wooden plaques on either side of the central bay are inscribed with the words, "Day by day [beyond this gate] without fail the miraculous presence of gods and Buddhas is revealed.

不闕日日之影向検知處々之遺跡

日々の影向ようごうを闕かんざして処々の遺跡を検知けんちす