Fudo-in is a temple dedicated to Fudomyo-o (Sanskrit Acala), the most important of the Five Wisdom Kings and symbol of determination. It was founded in 906 as one of twelve temples by Saiko (870-943), a high-ranking monk, in the "West Valley", which is a very convenient area for a visit and stay. The temple is also known as the main temple for the Yamashinas (an Imperial family branch) and is called "Yamashina Betsu-in". Bifukumonin (1117-1160), the Empress of Emperor Toba (1103-1156) and a devout follower of Kobo-daishi, was buried here according to her last will and in respect for her lifetime contributions to the temple, such as donating a precious Amida-Sutra and three Amida statues.
At Fudo-in, you can enjoy your meals with a great view of a beautiful garden, attend the morning devotional service, practice sutra copying in a quiet environment, far away from any traffic. A stay at the Fudo-in will be an "ultimate healing experience" which only this historic temple can offer. *Please refer to the pictures of our guest rooms, bathrooms, dining hall, and other facilities.
Shojin-ryori was developed as a type of vegetarian cuisine in compliance with the rules of Shingon Buddhism and passed on at Koya-san from generation to generation until today. Taste the natural, meat-free meals, and you will see how creative it is, using only a selected range of ingredients. Our meals represent the history of Koya-san. Shojin ryori is based on "monk dishes", whose main aim is to strengthen your mind while making full use of seasonal materials to produce the best look, volume, and taste, by following the traditional "Five Cooking Rules" (raw, boil, grill, fry and steam), the "Five Tastes" (sweet, sour, spicy, bitter and salty), and the "Five Colors" (white, yellow, red, blue and black). Anyone can join at the dinner table and enjoy the unique taste of Koya Shojin-ryori. In any of the accommodations of Koya-san, "Goma-dofu" (Sesame bean curd) and "Koya-dofu" (see below) are served. Both are great sources of protein. Needless to say, all dishes will be served beautifully and are guaranteed to please our visitors.
What is "Koya-dofu"?
It is said that "Koya-dofu" was accidentally invented when tofu was left outdoors in the wintertime. In the beginning, it was just frozen-dried tofu produced at Koya-san. Later, it became a part of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine all over the country. It came to be called "Koya-dofu", because in the Edo era pilgrims used to bring it back as a souvenir from Koya-san.
Early in the morning, we will pray in the main temple building for all the spirits enshrined at Fudo-in and for peace in society and the world.
In our quiet temple, you can have a quality time and find peace of mind by copying the 262 characters of the "Heart of Wisdom Sutra" (Hanya Shingyo).
* Advance booking required.
Make a quest for your-deep-self through "Ajikan", a method of meditation introduced by Kobo-daishi. Through this meditation, you will look at yourself, feel Buddha and realize that the world is one.
Ajikan literally means meditating the letter "अ" (pronounced as the "a" in "apple"). This is the first letter in the Sanscrit alphabet, symbolizing the origin of all things in the universe. In Zen Buddhism, people sit in front of walls and meditate with their legs folded in the Zen way, in Shingon Buddhism, we do this in front of a scroll showing the letter "अ" and the moon.
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Take the Nankai Koya Line from Nanba Station to Koya-san Terminal (From Gokurakubashi, take the cable line). |
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it is about two hours thirty minutes, by way of Koya-san Doro (Routes 370 and 480) leading from Kudoyama Cho. From Kinan, take the Koya Ryujin Skyline to Koya-san. Form Kansai Airport, it takes about two hours |
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The Koya-san Cho Ishimichi Hiking Trail The Nankai Koya Line Kudoyama Station - Jisonin - Hutatsu Torii - Yatate - Daimon. Distance: Approx. 21km Time to Destination: Approx. six hours. |
