image:Koyasan Kongobuji
Koyasan Kongobuji Guide for Worship

Guidelines for the Visits

Visiting a temple is conducted in a solemn manner, so please be mindful of appropriate attire and behavior.

  • ●When you attend the religious service, dress formally.

  • ●Even when you visit normally, be careful not to dress too casually.

    Refrain from wearing revealing clothes.
    If your shoulders or back are largely exposed, please wear a jacket.

    Refrain from wearing revealing clothes. If your shoulders or back are largely exposed, please wear a jacket.

    Refrain from wearing short skirts and shorts.

    Refrain from wearing short skirts and shorts.
  • ●Okunoin is the center of our faith. To honor its sanctity, we kindly request that visitors dress modestly.

    Please note that those in revealing attire will be asked to cover up or refrain from entering.

  • ●Please be advised that the yukata provided at your shukubo is intended for indoor use only.

    Please change into regular attire when visiting the Main Hall or attending the morning service. Furthermore, yukata are not suitable for visiting sacred sites such as Danjo Garan and Okunoin.

Prohibited Matters

  • ●We have designated areas where photography is strictly prohibited. We kindly request that you refrain from taking photographs within the designated areas. Please confirm whether it is a location where photography is permitted.

  • Map of Okunoin precincts
  • ●Please refrain from smoking outside of designated smoking areas.

  • ●Entry of vehicles and bicycles into the designated holy areas and temple premises is strictly prohibited. Should there be a need for access, please make a prior inquiry to your destination.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for visiting. We would like to introduce the traditional worship method in Buddhism to all of our esteemed visitors. Furthermore, we sincerely share a few important guidelines that we kindly request you to adhere to during your worship.

Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism

  • 1
    At the temple gate and the entrance of the designated holy area, remove your hat.
    Hold the Buddhist hand sign, Gassho, in that you put hands together in front of your chest and bow once.

    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
  • 2
    If there is a Chozuya (water ablution pavilion), rince both hands and your mouth to purify yourself.

    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
  • 3
    At the entrance of the hall, hold the Buddhist hand sign, Gassho and bow once, then proceed into the hall.

    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
  • 4
    In front of the principal image, hold the Buddhist hand sign, Gassho and bow once.
    Offer a candle, an incense stick and donation.
    Recite the sutra and pray.
    As the conclusion of the worship, hold the Buddhist hand sign, Gassho and bow once.

    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
  • 5
    At the end of the visit, hold the Buddhist hand sign, Gassho and bow once at the exit of the hall and the gate of the temple or the exit of the designated holy area.

    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism
    image:Traditional Method of Worship in Buddhism