An ancient temple with a history of 1,400 years
Kongojo-ji Temple is an ancient temple believed to have been founded about 1,400 years ago. It was originally established during the reign of Empress Suiko by a monk from Goguryeo (ancient Korea) named Ekkan (恵灌), under the name Shigeoka-dera. Later, in the 6th year of the Keichō era (1601), it was renamed to its current name, Kongojo-ji.
This temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect and is the 30th temple in the New Western 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Even today, it continues to attract many visitors. The temple's main deity is the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, which is a secret Buddha and not usually visible to the public. However, it is also revered as the "Mikage Kannon" (substitute Kannon), and many people come to pray to it.
The temple was originally located near the middle of Nanashina Mountain, close to the Nanashina Falls, but was relocated to its current location in the early Meiji period. Among the buildings in the current temple complex, the mountain gate (sanmon) is said to have been preserved from the time when the temple was still situated on Nanashina Mountain.
The temple grounds are surrounded by the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons, and it is especially famous for its autumn foliage, making it a popular destination for leaf peeping. In this tranquil setting, nestled in the rich nature of Nanashina Mountain, visitors can reflect on the temple's long history as they offer their prayers.
