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Asama-dake Kongosho-ji Temple: Guardian of Ise

Discover a sacred temple atop Mount Asama, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage.

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Perched atop Mount Asama, Kongosho-ji is a historic Buddhist temple with ties to the sacred Ise Grand Shrine. Founded over a millennium ago, it's known as the protector of Ise from evil spirits and offers stunning views.

A brief summary to Asama-dake Kongosho-ji Temple

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as the main hall closes in the late afternoon.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Ise Grand Shrine to experience the full pilgrimage route.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the temple grounds and climbing stairs.
  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the summer months.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ise or Toba, follow the signs for the Ise-Shima Skyline toll road. The temple is located near the summit of Mount Asama, along the Skyline. Be aware that the Ise-Shima Skyline is a toll road; the toll for regular cars is ¥1220. Parking is available near the temple.

  • Public Transport

    From Isuzugawa Station, take a Sangu bus bound for the Ise-Shima Skyline. Get off at the Kongosho-ji bus stop. The temple is a short walk from the bus stop. The bus utilizes the Ise-Shima Skyline toll road. Bus services may be infrequent, especially on weekdays, so check the timetable in advance.

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Discover more about Asama-dake Kongosho-ji Temple

Asama-dake Kongosho-ji Temple, located near the summit of Mount Asama in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, is a significant Buddhist temple with a rich history and deep connections to Ise Grand Shrine. For centuries, it has been considered the guardian of Ise Jingu, protecting it from negative energies believed to enter from the northeast, known as the 'Demon Gate'. Founded by the revered monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in the 6th century, Kongosho-ji boasts a history spanning over a millennium. The temple's main hall, rebuilt in 1609, is a nationally designated tangible cultural property. Inside, the temple is dedicated to Kokūzô Bosatsu, and houses an image of Fukuichiman Kokuzo Daibosatsu, one of Japan's three major Kokuzo Bosatsu, which is revealed to the public only once every 20 years, following Ise Jingu's Shikinen Sengu. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, passing through the Niomon gate and a vermilion torii gate. The path leads to the Okunoin, the most sacred part of the temple, featuring a Buddhist cemetery with countless stupas erected to memorialize the deceased. The temple's location on Mount Asama offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Ise Bay. Historically, a visit to Kongosho-ji was considered an essential part of the Ise pilgrimage, as reflected in the famous Ise Ondo folk song: 'If you visit Ise, you must visit Asama; if you don't visit Asama, your pilgrimage is not completed'.

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