Danjō-garan | 壇上伽藍だんじょうがらん

Court of the Central Halls

The Danjō Garan is where the earliest places of worship were built on Mt. Kōya after its founding in the year 819 by the priest Kūkai. Dominated by the imposing central tower known as the Konpon Daitō, the complex extends roughly 350 meters from east to west and is made up of around twenty structures including a massive hall, several sanctuaries, pagodas and shrines. While none of the original buildings survives, many of their reconstructions date back centuries.

As it has done for more than a millennium, the Danjō-garan serves as the primary center for the most important ceremonies and rites of Shingon, or Esoteric, Buddhism. Visitors will find themselves in the company of devoted members of the faith as they worship at these sacred sites. It is not uncommon to see large groups of priests making their rounds to pray before the various holy places.

View of the Danjō Garan from the west — View of the Danjō-garan from the west.

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

KoyaQuest

Danjō-garan

KoyaQuest

Danjō-garan

Danjō-garan | 壇上伽藍だんじょうがらん

Court of the Central Halls