Koyasan: A Place Captivated by Kukai at First Sight

From his childhood, Kukai, later known as Kobo Daishi, harbored a deep desire to "save people suffering in the world." Dissatisfied with his training in Japan, he traveled to Tang Dynasty China in 804. There, he received direct instruction in Buddhist teachings from the seventh patriarch of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, Master Keika.

Awarded the dharma name Henjo Kongo, Kukai returned to Japan in 806 with a mission to "spread Shingon Esoteric Buddhism throughout the land." While searching for a suitable location to establish his base, he heard from a hunter in Yamato Province (Nara Prefecture) about a favorable site in Kii Province (Wakayama Prefecture). Guided by the hunter's two dogs, one white and one black, Kukai finally arrived at Koyasan.



He is said to have exclaimed with joy, "There is a vast plain here, unlike what one would expect on a mountaintop, and the surrounding mountains rise like lotus petals – this is truly a place suited for spreading Shingon Esoteric Buddhism." Immediately, he designated Koyasan as the fundamental training ground for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and, with numerous disciples and artisans, began clearing the land, building halls and pagodas, and creating Buddhist statues. This was in 816.

Kukai's aspirations in founding Koyasan were twofold. First, to establish a place of worship—a temple—for praying for the peace of the nation and society, and for the happiness of its people. Second, to establish a training center—a dojo—for nurturing individuals who could contribute to the peace of the nation and society, and to the happiness of its people. Indeed, for about 20 years, Kukai based himself in Koyasan, preaching the Buddha's teachings throughout the country and extending his compassionate reach to all, from the Emperor down to the suffering and troubled, young and old alike.

An Unprecedented Symphony of Light and Sound!

Upon founding Koyasan, the first area Kukai focused on developing was the "Danjo Garan." This is the core precinct when viewing Koyasan as a single temple complex, and it has been cherished as the center of faith since ancient times.

Then, as a symbol of the training center, he built the "Great Pagoda." Within it, the Cosmic Great Illuminator (Dainichi Nyorai) is enshrined, surrounded by four Buddhas. The sixteen pillars are adorned with paintings of the Sixteen Great Bodhisattvas, and the walls at the four corners depict the eight patriarchs (including Kukai) who transmitted esoteric Buddhism. The interior of the hall itself is designed as a three-dimensional mandala—a representation of the world of enlightenment and Buddhist teachings.

This training center reaches its 1200th anniversary this year. To celebrate this milestone, Koyasan is currently hosting various events. The highlight among these is "Koyasan: Light of 1200 Years," held from May 12th (Tuesday) to May 17th (Sunday).



The overall direction is handled by COSMIC LAB, an Osaka-based group renowned for its diverse art projects, including projection mapping and interactive installations, both domestically and internationally. VJ and producer Colo GraPhonic, interactive artist Jamie Goodenough, and lighting artist YAMACHANG, along with numerous other artists, are uniting to tackle a visual expression of unprecedented scale.

Utilizing the latest imaging technology developed specifically for this event, they will project the three-dimensional mandala that Kukai meticulously depicted within the Great Pagoda. The performance will feature laser animations and mapping visuals unfolding in 3D space, synchronized with the rhythm of Japanese drums played by Yosuke Ueki and the chanting of Buddhist scriptures by monks.

A symphony of light and sound that transcends 1200 years, connecting visitors with Kukai. We invite you to witness this miraculous moment while reflecting on Kukai's virtuous legacy.