Koyasan: the mountain haven | Japan | 4K 60fps | nomadraul

"If nature indeed brings mankind closer to the cosmos, then Koyasan is its embodiment."

In the year 816 AD, a monk by the name of Kukai (774 ~ 835 AD), posthumously named Kobo Daishi, founded Shingon Buddhism and the monastery complex known as Koyasan. Located in the lush Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park, it is said that the 8 peaks and basin resemble a lotus, making it an auspicious location. For over 1,200 years Koyasan has flourished as an active monastic center, and is one of Japan’s most sacred sites.

The contemplative surroundings that make Koyasan spectacular have welcomed emperors, feudal lords, aristocrats and politicians, acolytes and ordinary citizens. Its 117 intricately crafted buildings are the vestiges of the more than 2,000 temples that existed during the height of the Edo era (1603 - 1868). Whether richly textured in autumn leaves, covered in winter snow, or abloom with spring cherry blossoms and rhododendrons, Koyasan offers Shingon devotees and non-believers alike respite from the stresses of everyday life.

00:00 Intro

00:13 Dai-mon Gate
Dai-mon, the main gate to Koyasan, was rebuilt in 1705. It is a multistoried tower gate that stands 25.1 meters high. The statues of the guardian gods at both sides of the gate were made by Buddhist sculptors Koi and Uncho during the Edo period. The gate is also a place where beautiful sunsets can be viewed and is lit up at night, creating a mystical spectacle.

00:30 Kongobu-ji Head Temple
As the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, Kongobu-ji Head Temple is one of the most prominent sites at Koyasan and features elegantly painted sliding doors (fusuma) and the Banryutei, Japan’s largest rock garden. Architectural buffs will enjoy the traditional fire prevention system, consisting of barrels collecting rainwater to dampen the cypress bark roofing.

02:31 Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex (Konpon Daito)
The Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex can be described as the center of Koyasan, which was opened by Kukai (aka Kobo Daishi) as a place for secret training in Shingon esoteric Buddhism. Several temples are located inside the Danjo Garan, and the 49-meter tall Great Stupa is of an especially splendid and impressive scale, believed to be Japan’s first square two-storied pagoda.

08:46 Tokugawa Dynasty Mausoleum
The Tokugawa Dynasty had a profound effect on the future of Japan, by unifying the country after hundreds of years of civil unrest. Under their rule, known as the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), the economy and culture flourished.

09:43 Okuno-in
Considered the holiest location in Koyasan, along the 2 km path to monk Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum are more than 200,000 tombstones and commemorative monuments. Walking down this cedar-lined path is like flipping through the history pages of Japan. Tributes to shoguns, writers, actors, poets and even companies such as the confectioner Glico, mark this path.

11:44 Outro

#koyasan #wakayama #okunoin #tokugawa #japan #4k #4k60fps #nomadraul

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Music:    • Japanese Zen Music - Japanese Flute M...  

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