About
Negoroji-temple
Located on the
side of Katsuragi Mountains in the northern part of Iwade City, Negoroji-temple
is a historic temple that was established in 1132.
The founder of Negoroji-temple,
Kogyou-Daishi(Kakuban) was well-known as the restorer of the Shingon sect of
Buddhism. At first he established the Main Hall, “Daidenpoin” on the top of
Koyasan in 1132 and later he moved to Negoro, the place where now Negoroji-temple
is. Since then many followers gathered around there and in the late of Muromati Period(1500～1570) there were about 270 temples and they
built the Great Tower,“Daito”(1547), the Main Hall, “Daidenpodo” and other
halls in Negoro area.
In 1585, however, Hideyoshi
Toyotomi who feared the growing power of Negoroji-temple ordered to attack it
and every buildings were burnt down except the Great Tower, the Main Hall and
the Hall of Kobo-daishi, “Daisido”.
Most of the
current buildings were rebuilt in the middle of Edo Period(about 1790～1830).
The Great Tower, “Daito”
is designated as a national treasure. It is the biggest “Daito” made of wood in
Japan and it has neither burnt down nor fell down since 1547. And even it is
the only building as a national treasure in Japan that even every day you can
enter and look around inside of it.
The beauty of Negoroji-temple is enhanced by the cherry blossoms and fresh
verdure in spring and colored leaves in autumn. It is well known as a landscape
that many visitors pleased.
It would be our
pleasure if you took the time to visit and deepen your understanding of the
Shingon Buddhism, also the Japanese culture and spirit.
Visitor Guide
★Opening hours
※From Apr.1 to Oct.30
Opened at 9:10 ― Closed at 16:30
※From Nov.1 to Mar.31
Opened at 9:10 ― Closed at 16:00
★Admission Fees
Individuals: 500yen
Groups of 30 or more:
400yen
Negoroji-temple Route map
Negoroji-temple Route map
It takes about twe hours
 |
Negoroji-temple Route map
(Main area)
It takes about one hour
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| PDF |
PDF |
③ Daidenpodo
Built in about 1404,this is the main structure of the Negoroji group of
temples.
This is where the most important teachings of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism
are conducted.
3.5 meters high of "Dainichi-Nyorai", the object of worship,
has been enshrined inside with the two other same high statues.
The present structure was rebuilt in 1827.
④ Daito(The great pagoda of negoro)
A national treasure, this beautiful two-storied tower symbolizes by its shape, the secret teachings of the Shingon Sect.
Built in 1547, it is the largest and the oldest wooden Daito in Japan.
Standing about 40 meters high, it is the central building on the temple
grounds.
One of the few structures which escaped from the Great Conquest of Kishu
in 1585 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, its walls still show some scars made by
the bullets of the Hideyoshi's army.
⑤ Daishido
Enshrining the statue of Kobo-Daishi,the founder of the Shingon Sect,this
buiding was built in 1391 and is one of the few structure which escaped
from the Great Conquest of Kishu in 1585. It is known as important cultural
assets.
⑥ Okunoin
This tomb is the sacred place where the ashes of Kogyo-Daishi are buried.
⑪ Komyoden
Built in 1804,this is one of the important restorations completed during
the Edo period and the image of Kogyo-Daishi is enshrined in it. Religious
services are held every morning and evening. This building has been known
as a cultural treasure by Wakayama Prefecture.
⑫ Gyojado
This hall, attached to ShotenDo is the place En-no-gyoja is enshrined.
⑬ Syotendo
This lovely hall standing above the pond is the place Syoten is enshrined.
The scarlet paint covering its altar is known as "Negoro Lacquer"
⑭ Natural beauty spot garden
The residence of the chief priest of the Shingi-Shingon Sect of Buddhism,the
building is comprised of a beautiful palace of Kishu-Tokugawa. It possesses
a garden as a National site of Scenic Beauty.
⑳ Daimon Gate
Reconstructed in 1852,it is the entrance gate for the entire Negoroji grounds.
With the two "Nioh" statues on each side.
21 Dabisyo
This building marks the site where the remains of Kogyo-Daishi were cremated.
22 Fudodo
There is an interesting legend attached to Negoroji's Fudo. When Kogyo-Daishi
was attacked by a murderous mob in Koyasan,the wooden statue of Fudo saved
his life. When the mob came into the hall looking for Kogyo Daishi, there
were two Fudoes. They couldn't find out which the wooden statue is. They
dicided to stab the both on the knee with an arrowhead, since blood never
comes out from the wooden statue. But blood spurted from the wound of two
Fudoes. The mob was very surprised by that and run away. In honor of the
Fudo who saved the holy man and was wounded instead of him, many worshippers
come to pray for safety from evils and other wishes.
