Kobo Daishi built a temple on the secluded mountaintop of Koyasun as a place where he could meditate.
Since then over one hundred temples and monasteries have sprung up around the sects headquarters.
Before the mausoleum is Toro-do or Torondo, the Lantern pavilion, where 10,000 donated lanterns hang.
Behind Torodo Hall is Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum, the Gobyo, the site of his eternal meditation.
Its important to behave respectfully, and photography, food and drink are prohibited.
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Photo credit:zeitblohm/Flickr
Stone lanterns.
Photo credit:sodai gomi/Flickr
Photo credit:Steve Simmonds/Flickr
Sources:Japan Guide/Japan Experience/BBC
