Garan

Garan, the spiritual heart of Koyasan, is a sacred temple complex founded by Kobo Daishi, the revered founder of Shingon Buddhism. According to legend, while searching for the perfect location to establish his teachings, Kobo Daishi threw his sankosho, a three-pronged Buddhist tool, from China. It miraculously landed in a pine tree, and where it struck, Daishi felt the presence of a divine calling. Inspired by this sign, he began constructing Garan, which has since become a breathtaking center for spiritual practice and learning. Among the many highlights of the complex is the Kondo Hall, a grand wooden structure where significant Buddhist ceremonies are held, offering an immersive experience of Shingon Buddhist rituals. Dominating the landscape is the striking Konpon Daito Pagoda, a towering vermilion pagoda that embodies the heart of the teachings. Visitors can also find the very pine tree that once held Kobo Daishi’s sankosho, still standing tall as a living symbol of the temple’s deep history.

The Konpon Daito Pagoda, at an impressive height of 45 meters, is one of the most iconic structures within Garan. Inside, a unique three-dimensional mandala, an artistic depiction of the cosmic universe, captures the essence of Shingon Buddhist cosmology. The pagoda also houses a majestic statue of Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha, surrounded by vibrant pillar paintings that illustrate Buddhist teachings. Although Kobo Daishi laid the groundwork for the Kondo Hall and Daito Pagoda, it was his dedicated followers who completed the buildings and expanded the temple complex with other notable structures. These include the Toto and Saito Pagodas, the Miedo Founder’s Hall, and the Koya Myojin Shrine, which honors the local deities of Mount Koya. Today, Garan attracts both pilgrims and tourists, offering a serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection alongside a glimpse into Japan’s rich architectural and religious heritage.