The Daimon Great Gate Koyasan Stock Photography

This large gate marks the entrance to Mount Koya. Originally, the central gate was a “torii” gate located further down in the winding valley below. That gate burned down from forest fires and lightning, and it was rebuilt in its current location in 1705. The two-tier tower spans across five section and is 25.1 meters tall. It is flanked by two Vadrajhara figures; they are considered to be the second largest such figures in Japan, after those at Todaiji, and are the work of Edo-period sculptors. An inscription reads: “Kobo Daishi appears each morning, makes the rounds, and offers us salvation,” expressing the idea that Kobo Daishi is always with us. To the side of the Daimon is the entrance to Bentendake. At the top of that mountain is enshrined Dake-no-benzaiten, whom Kobo Daishi had ceremonially transferred there.