Kōya, Part 2: A Walk to Danjo Garan

Danjo Garan, the primary temple complex on Kōya, sits about two blocks from the “main street” visitor center, shops, and restaurants. Although all of Kōya is considered a single temple complex, Danjo Garan acts as the beating heart of Kōyasan Shingon Buddhism. (To start this series on Kōya from the beginning, click here.) Originally founded by Kōbō Daishi during the early 9th century, Danjo Garan contains several buildings–including the Konpon Daito, or pagoda, that Kōbō Daishi himself had a hand in constructing. Danjo Garan is also famous for its spectacular maple trees, which put on intense shows of beautiful foliage during the autumn