Junteido Hall
A Hall Dedicated to Juntei Kannon
Junteido Hall is believed to have been founded around 973 by Shinzen Daitoku, the second head priest of Mount Koya. The hall is dedicated to Juntei Kannon, a Buddhist figure associated with compassion and salvation.
According to tradition, the statue of Juntei Kannon was originally carved by Kobo Daishi Kukai himself and served as his principal Buddhist image when he entered the Buddhist priesthood. The statue was initially enshrined in the dining hall at Danjogaran before being moved to Junteido after the hall was constructed.
Juntei Kannon has long been revered as a compassionate figure who saves people with the kindness of a mother. Over the centuries, the hall has served as a place of spiritual refuge for Buddhist monks and pilgrims seeking blessings and peace of mind.
Rebuilt After Repeated Fires
Junteido has been destroyed by fire several times throughout its long history, but it has always been rebuilt. The present structure was reconstructed in 1883 and remains an important feature of the Danjogaran complex.
Every year on July 1, the Junteido Darani-e Buddhist ceremony is held at the hall. This traditional religious observance honors the spiritual virtues of Juntei Kannon and includes prayers for the happiness, safety, and well-being of people.
Miedo Hall
One of the Most Sacred Places at Danjogaran
Miedo Hall is regarded as one of the most sacred places within Danjogaran. The building was originally constructed as a private Buddhist hall for Kobo Daishi Kukai. It later became known as Miedo after an image of Kobo Daishi, traditionally attributed to the Imperial Prince Shinnyo, was enshrined inside.
The present building was reconstructed in 1847, following the great fire of 1843. Designed in the traditional Hogyo-zukuri style, with a square pyramidal roof, the hall measures approximately 15.1 meters on both its front and side dimensions. Its elegant cypress-bark roof is one of its distinctive architectural features.
A Center of Kobo Daishi Worship
Inside the hall is the image of Kobo Daishi, accompanied by portraits of the Ten Great Disciples who supported him. For centuries, Miedo has been regarded as one of the spiritual centers of Mount Koya and has attracted devoted worshippers.
For much of its history, entry to Miedo was restricted to a limited number of Buddhist monks. The interior generally remains closed to the public today. However, during the O-taiya Buddhist ceremony, held on the evening before the traditional New Year memorial service for Kobo Daishi, visitors may be permitted to enter the outer worship area.
The Sacred Sanko Pine and Treasure House
In front of Miedo stands a famous pine tree known as the Sanko-no-Matsu, or “Pine of the Three-Pronged Vajra.” According to tradition, Kobo Daishi threw a three-pronged vajra ritual object toward Japan while returning from Tang China in search of a suitable place to practice Esoteric Buddhism. It is said that the vajra landed in a pine tree here, helping him identify Mount Koya as his spiritual home.
Behind the hall stands the Miedo Treasure House, which has historically served as a repository for valuable Buddhist treasures, documents, and other important religious materials.
Aizendo Hall
A Hall Built for Peace and Prosperity
Aizendo Hall was built in 1334 at the imperial request of Emperor Go-Daigo. It was established as a place to pray for peace throughout the country and the well-being of the emperor.
The principal Buddhist image is Aizen Myoo, an important deity in Esoteric Buddhism. According to tradition, the statue was created at the same height as Emperor Go-Daigo. Aizen Myoo is believed to transform human desires and worldly passions into the energy needed to pursue spiritual awakening.
A Historic Center of Buddhist Learning
In the past, Aizendo was the site of important Buddhist rituals, including the Fudan Aizen Goma fire ceremony and Choji Dangi, a form of extended Buddhist study and debate. Because of its role in religious education, the hall was also known as the “New Lecture Hall” and served as an important center of Buddhist learning at Mount Koya.
The present structure was rebuilt in 1848. Its elegant cypress-bark roof and traditional architecture blend beautifully with the surrounding buildings of Danjogaran.
Daiedo Hall
A Major Hall for Buddhist Ceremonies
Daiedo Hall was originally built in 1175 by Imperial Princess Shoko, daughter of Emperor Toba, as a memorial offering for her deceased father.
The hall was originally located elsewhere before being moved to Danjogaran. After its relocation, it was used as a place for continuous Buddhist lectures and religious study. The famous poet and Buddhist monk Saigyo Hoshi is traditionally associated with the relocation of the building.
A Gathering Place for Religious Events
As the role of the hall as a center for Buddhist debate gradually diminished, Daiedo came to be used primarily as a gathering place for large-scale Buddhist ceremonies and religious events.
The present building was reconstructed in 1848. It follows the traditional five-by-four-bay layout and enshrines Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of the Pure Land. Its dignified architecture creates a calm atmosphere while reflecting the long history of Buddhist practice at Mount Koya.
Sanmaido Hall
A Hall Named After Esoteric Buddhist Practice
Sanmaido Hall was founded in 929 by Saiko, who served as the head priest of Kongobuji Temple at the time. The hall was originally located within the grounds of Sojiji Temple before being moved to its present location in 1177.
Saiko is said to have practiced Rishu Sanmai, an important Esoteric Buddhist ritual, at this hall. This practice gave rise to the name “Sanmaido,” meaning a hall associated with meditative concentration or samadhi.
For centuries, Sanmaido has played a role in supporting Buddhist prayer and spiritual training at Mount Koya, preserving an important connection to the religious traditions of the mountain.
The Famous Saigyo Cherry Tree
Saigyo Hoshi is also traditionally associated with the relocation and renovation of Sanmaido. The cherry tree in front of the hall is known as the “Saigyo Cherry”, and tradition says that it originated from a tree planted by Saigyo himself.
Although the present tree was planted at a later date, the name and tradition have been preserved. In spring, the cherry blossoms add a particularly beautiful touch to the historic surroundings and attract both pilgrims and visitors.
The present Sanmaido building was reconstructed in 1816. Its quiet and understated appearance provides a peaceful setting in which to appreciate the deep history and spiritual traditions of Mount Koya.
A Historic Group of Buildings at Danjogaran
Junteido, Miedo, Aizendo, Daiedo, and Sanmaido are more than beautiful historic buildings. Each one represents a different aspect of Mount Koya’s religious heritage, from Buddhist worship and rituals to education, meditation, and spiritual training.
For more than 1,200 years, these buildings have carried forward traditions associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Although many structures have been rebuilt after fires and other disasters, their religious significance and traditional roles have continued from generation to generation.
Today, these historic halls are carefully preserved as important cultural properties and continue to welcome pilgrims and travelers from around the world. When exploring Danjogaran, taking time to appreciate the individual history of each building offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual world of Mount Koya.
A visit to these halls is not simply an opportunity to admire traditional Japanese architecture. It is also a chance to experience the living history of one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sacred sites.