What to know
Daishi Kyokai (大師教会, Daishi Kyōkai) serves as the administrative hub of Shingon Buddhism, dedicated to spreading the teachings of its founder, Kobo Daishi. The site comprises two structures: Henjoden, a traditional temple hall built in 1915 honoring Kobo Daishi, and a modern building used for administration, lectures, and training. An English information desk is available in the modern building.
Visitors can take part in several activities at Daishi Kyokai, including receiving Buddhist precepts (jukai) or copying Buddhist scriptures (shakyo). No advance reservations are needed.
Jukai is a formal ceremony for Buddhist laypeople, but anyone can participate without becoming Buddhist unless they choose to. The ceremony takes place in a very dark room next to Henjoden's main hall, where participants sit on tatami mats and recite after a priest. During the ceremony, they repent past misdeeds, take refuge in the Buddha, and repeat the Ten Wholesome Precepts, a Buddhist moral code. The entire ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, and participants receive a certificate acknowledging their involvement.
Daishi Kyokai also offers sutra copying (shakyo), a long-standing practice of meditation and devotion. Participants receive a sheet of paper with the popular Heart Sutra lightly printed on it, then trace over the kanji characters with a brush pen.
Daishi Kyokai is located in Koyasan's town center, a five-minute walk from the Senjuinbashi intersection and just steps from the Garan and Kongobuji Temple.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Original name
- Daishi Kyokai
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.