20 Temples in Wakayama worth your time

This Tendai Buddhist temple, known for a unique Kannon statue and historical self-martyrdom ritual, links mountains and sea.

What it is

• Tendai Buddhist temple.
• Founded by ascetic Ragyo from India in the fourth century.
• Known for Fudaraku-tokai ritual of self-martyrdom.
• Part of Kumano's spiritual landscape, linking mountains and sea.

What to see

• Wooden statue of Thousand-Armed Kannon, 170 cm tall.
• Heian period Kannon statue is an Important Cultural Property.
• Kannon statue has three faces and 44 arms, a rarity.
• Kumano Sansho Omiwa-yashiro, a Shinto shrine next to the temple.
• Furiwake-ishi (Parting Stone) marking Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.

When to go

• Kannon statue displayed publicly on January 27.
• Kannon statue displayed publicly on May 17.
• Kannon statue displayed publicly on July 10.

Address

和歌山県東牟婁郡 那智勝浦町大字浜の宮348 Map

Read more about Fudarakusan-ji Temple

A historic Koyasan Shingon temple featuring a relocated main hall and nationally designated Buddhist statues and paintings.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon sect temple located in the Isshinin-dani valley of Mount Koya.
• Renamed in 1223 by the monk Jogyo after its original founding as Isshinin.
• Served as a prayer temple for several Japanese emperors throughout its history.
• A place of study for the famous Buddhist monk Nichiren in 1248.

What to see

• The current main hall which was relocated from Chuguji in 1967.
• A wooden Amida Nyorai statue designated as a national cultural property.
• A nationally designated silk painting depicting the deity Fudo Myoo.
• The site where the Fudo-do hall stood before its 1908 move to Kongobu-ji.

Read more about Gobōjakujō-ji Temple

This flower temple, known for its wisteria, is where people pray for safe childbirth and children.

What it is

• Small temple on a hill.
• Known as the “flower temple.”
• Dedicated to Jizo, protector of children.
• Restored in the Edo period by a local lord.

What to see

• Long trellises of 100-year-old wisteria trees.
• Variety of other cultivated flowers.
• Statue of Jizo in the main hall.
• Many Jizo statues dressed in red hats and aprons.
• Offerings of soft drinks, toys, candy, and origami cranes.

When to go

• Early May for wisteria blooms.
• Blooms can be enjoyed 11 months of the year.

Getting there

• 30-minute walk from Miyukitsuji Station.

Address

和歌山県橋本市菖蒲谷94 Map

Read more about Koyasu jizō-ji Temple

Tokushō-ji is an ancient temple known for its historical artifacts and annual Chūjō-hime festival.

What it is

• A Seizan Jōdo-shū temple in Arida City, Wakayama Prefecture.
• Founded in 759, with the mountain name Hibarisan.
• Also known as Chūjō-hime-dera.
• Principal image is Amitābha Tathāgata.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in April 1752.
• Kaisan-dō enshrines Chūjō-hime and the Itō Harutoki couple.
• A Jōdo Mandala, a nationally important art object.
• A Hōkyōintō, an Arida City Tangible Cultural Property.

When to go

• May 14 for the Chūjō-hime Eshiki festival.
• The Raigō Eshiki is an Intangible Cultural Property event.

Address

和歌山県有田市糸我町中番229 Map

Read more about Tokushō-ji Temple

Ancient temple, pilgrimage site, and home to national treasures, worth visiting for history and gardens.

What it is

• Head temple of the Kokawa Kannon sect.
• Founded in 770 by Otomo no Kujiko.
• Main deity is Senju Sen-gan Kannon Bosatsu.
• Third temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• The Kokawa-dera Engi Emaki, a national treasure.
• Main hall, an Important Cultural Property.
• Kokawa-dera Garden, a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Senju-do Hall, an Important Cultural Property.
• Chumon gate, an Important Cultural Property.
• Daimon gate, an Important Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR Kokawa Station.

Address

和歌山県紀の川市粉河2787 Map

Official site

www.kokawadera.org

Read more about Kokawa-dera Temple

Kaizen-in Temple: a historic Nichiren temple with a unique pagoda built over 150,000 sutra stones.

What it is

• Nichiren Buddhist temple in Wakayama, Japan.
• Founded in 1649 by Yoshuin.
• Became a branch temple of Hon-onji Temple in the Meiji era.
• Designated a Wakayama City cultural property in 1967.

What to see

• Two-story pagoda rebuilt in 1653 by Tokugawa Yorinobu.
• Pagoda built over a stone chamber.
• Stone chamber contains sutra stones with Hokke-kyo written on them.
• More than 150,000 sutra stones buried under the pagoda.
• Sutra stones commemorate Tokugawa Ieyasu's 33rd memorial.
• Temple grounds were once the entire Imoseyama island.

Address

和歌山県和歌山市和歌浦中3-4-28 Map

Read more about Kaizen-in Temple

Jison-in Temple, founded by Kukai, is a starting point for Koyasan and specializes in female-specific prayers.

What it is

• Temple established in 816 by priest Kukai.
• Originally the entrance to the Koyasan temple complex.
• Dedicated to Kukai's mother, Tamayori Gozen.
• Specializes in female-specific issues.

What to see

• Statues of Miroku Bosatsu and Kukai's mother in Byodo Hall.
• Breast-shaped offerings and prayer plaques near Byodo Hall.

When to go

• Any time of year for female worshippers.

Getting there

• Starting point of the 24-kilometer Choishi Michi trail to Koyasan.

Address

和歌山県伊都郡九度山町慈尊院832 Map

Official site

jison-in.org

Read more about Jison-in Temple

Ryūkō-in is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple housing multiple National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

What it is

• A Shingon Buddhist temple.
• A head temple of Koyasan Shingon Buddhism.
• Dedicated to the main deity Dainichi Nyorai.
• Monk Kūkai resided at this temple.

What to see

• National Treasure painting of Kannon.
• National Treasure sutra, Shishikinjikōmyōsaishōōkyō.
• National Treasure sutra, Daiji Hokekyō.
• National Treasure sutra, Saijikinjikōmyōsaishōōkyō.
• Important Cultural Property painting of Kariba Myōjin.
• Important Cultural Property wooden statue of Tobatsu Bishamonten.

Read more about Ryūkō-in Temple

Koon-ji is a historic Jodo-shu temple with a rare surviving building from Wakayama Castle.

What it is

• A Jodo-shu Buddhist temple.
• Founded in 1591 by Shinyo Shonin.
• Named after Tsuda Kenmotsu Sansei's Buddhist name.
• Received patronage from the Kishu Tokugawa family.

What to see

• The kuri, a surviving structure of Wakayama Castle.
• The kuri was relocated from Wakayama Castle's Honmaru Goten O-daidokoro.
• The kuri has a tiled, hip-and-gable roof.
• The kuri is a Wakayama City cultural property.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Wakayama Line Fuseya Station.

Address

和歌山県和歌山市大垣内663 Map

Read more about Kōon-ji Temple

Ancient sub-temple with a scenic garden, rebuilt structures, and a peaceful atmosphere.

What it is

• A sub-temple of Kokawa-dera Temple.
• Founded in 990 as Jūzen-in.
• Revived in 1800 as Jūzenritsu-in Temple.
• Dedicated to Amitābha Tathāgata.

What to see

• The main hall, rebuilt in 1829.
• The goma hall, built in 1818.
• The kuri, rebuilt mid-19th century.
• The nurikami-mon gate, rebuilt in 1825.
• The 'Senshin-tei' garden, a scenic spot.

When to go

• Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Kokawa Station.

Address

和歌山県紀の川市粉河2849 Map

Read more about Jūzenritsu-in Temple

Enmeiji is a Soto Zen temple with a unique north-facing Jizo, worth visiting for its historical artifacts.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple, branch of Izu Saishoin.
• Its mountain name is Hoozan.
• Founded to enshrine a Jizo that appeared from the sea in 1024.
• Rebuilt by Kakuten Zenrin Daiohsho.

What to see

• The main deity, a north-facing Enmei Jizo Bosatsu.
• A main hall and a red gate.
• Toyokawa Inari-do on the grounds.
• A temple crest of a sixteen-petal chrysanthemum.
• Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai is also enshrined.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Ukui Station.

Read more about Enmei-ji Temple

Explore ancient temple ruins, a national historic site with a unique Horyuji-style layout.

What it is

• Ancient temple ruins, excavated since 1930.
• Southernmost Hakuho temple ruin in Kinki.
• Built around the late 7th century.
• Tower site designated a national historic site in 1935.

What to see

• Temple layout is Horyuji style.
• Temple area is 100 meters square.
• Main hall to the east, pagoda to the west.
• Tower base measures approximately 9 meters on each side.
• Central foundation stone is natural sandstone.
• Estimated monks' quarters north of the main complex.

Read more about Misuji temple ruins

Jizō-in Temple: a historic Koyasan Shingon temple, home to important Buddhist art.

What it is

• A temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
• Founded by Sonkai during the Kenkyu era (1190-1198).
• Dedicated to Jizo Bodhisattva as its principal image.
• Family temple for several daimyo clans.

What to see

• A wooden seated Amida Nyorai statue.
• Six scrolls depicting Kobo Daishi's life.
• Cultural properties are stored at Koyasan Reihokan.

Getting there

• 15-minute drive from Gokurakubashi Station.
• 40-minute drive from Kōyaguchi Interchange.

Address

和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山573 Map

Official site

koyasanjizoin.jp

Read more about Jizō-in Temple

Nichirin-ji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple with a main hall and bell tower.

What it is

• Belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect.
• Principal image is Dainichi Nyorai.
• Was the betto-ji of Kawane Niu Shrine.
• A stamp location for the Koyasan Nanaguchi Oshiincho.

What to see

• The main hall is on the temple grounds.
• A bell tower is on the temple grounds.
• The 4th Jizo of the Kyoto-Osaka Road is 130m away.

Getting there

• The Kyoto-Osaka Road passes in front of the gate.
• Kuroko-michi road is a 1-hour walk along the Niu River.

Address

和歌山県伊都郡九度山町河根2 Map

Read more about Nichirin-ji Temple

Yogen-ji is a historic Nichiren-shu temple with connections to the Tokugawa family.

What it is

• A Nichiren-shu temple in Hirogawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture.
• Its mountain name is Choryu-zan.
• Founded as Hokke-ji, it moved and changed its name to Yogen-ji.
• Relocated to Nakamachi in Hiromura.

What to see

• Image of Daikokuten with Nichiren's inscription.
• Temple buildings use timber from Yoshimune's wife's Edo mansion.
• Ansei Bunroku is a prefecturally designated cultural property.
• Shoin and Kuge Fuzoku Byobu are town-designated cultural properties.

Address

和歌山県有田郡広川町大字広1465-1[1] Map

Read more about Yōgen-ji Temple

This temple, the first stop on a pilgrimage, houses the world's largest waniguchi slit gong.

What it is

• Tendai school Buddhist temple.
• Part of the Nachisan complex.
• First stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
• Founded late sixth or early seventh century.

What to see

• Current hondo (main hall) dates from 1590.
• Sanmon (Mountain Gate) built in 1933.
• Sanmon has Nio guardian deities and komainu guardians.
• Three-storied pagoda rebuilt in 1972.
• World's largest waniguchi (slit gong) inside main hall.
• Gong is 1.4 meters across and weighs 450 kilograms.

Address

和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町那智山8 Map

Official site

www.saikoku33.gr.jp

Read more about Seiganto-ji Temple

Nan-in Temple in Koyasan offers a glimpse into Buddhist art and history.

What it is

• A sub-temple and shukubo of Kongobuji Temple.
• Founded by Kojima Shinko Sozu.
• Principal image is Namikiri Fudo Myoo.
• Namikiri Fudo Myoo was carved by Kukai.

What to see

• Wooden standing statue of Fudo Myoo.
• Main hall ceiling painting by Takamine Yoshida.
• Stupa built in 1988.
• Buddha's relics from Sri Lanka.
• Tokugawa family mausoleum adjacent to grounds.

When to go

• Namikiri Fudo Myoo displayed annually on June 28.

Address

和歌山県伊都郡高野町大字高野山680 Map

Official site

www.sea.sannet.ne.jp

Read more about Nan-in Temple

Jōfuku-ji Temple is a historic Kōyasan Shingon temple with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Kōyasan Shingon sect temple.
• Founded in the Eiroku era.
• Main image is Amida Nyorai.
• A stamp location for the Kōya Nanaguchi Stamp Book.

What to see

• Wooden seated Amida Nyorai statue from mid-Heian period.
• Kuri is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• Stone nine-story pagoda built in 1285.
• Hachiman Shrine is adjacent to the temple.

Getting there

• Kurokawa-michi pilgrimage route passes in front of the gate.

Address

和歌山県橋本市賢堂285 Map

Read more about Jōfuku-ji Temple

Rishōgokoku-ji is a historic Shingon Ritsu temple with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shingon Ritsu sect temple.
• Founded by Gyōki.
• Restored by Hōjō Tokiyori during the Kōan era.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Temple gate is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
• Wooden seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined.
• Statue is a Prefectural Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Shimo-Hyōgo Station.
• 5-minute drive from Hashimoto-higashi IC.

Address

和歌山県橋本市隅田町下兵庫732 Map

Read more about Rishōgokoku-ji Temple

A mountain temple with a historic Kannon statue and a protected sago palm.

What it is

• A temple dedicated to an Eleven-faced Kannon.
• Founded in 671 by En no Gyōja.
• Rebuilt during the Keichō era (1595-1615).
• A hereditary temple of the Mukai family.

What to see

• Main hall at 605 meters altitude.
• Eleven-faced Kannon statue carved in 671.
• Kannon-do hall enshrines a statue of En no Ozunu.
• A Dainei-kyō box from 1701.
• A natural monument sago palm, over 200 years old.
• Sago palm has a trunk circumference of 1.45 meters.

Address

和歌山県伊都郡かつらぎ町東谷1360 Map

Read more about Horikoshishakukannon Temple