Ekoin Temple

Ekoin is located in Kōya, a town in the Northern region of Wakayama prefecture. Visitors of Mount Kōya, a training ground for Shingon Buddhism, can stay at the temple’s shukubo lodgings. When Ekoin originated in the 8th century, it was first called a “place to transfer merit”, because Kōbō-Daishi’s disciple, the priest Dosho, performed many transfers of merit or “eko” here.  Then, around the year 1700, Tokugawa Yoshimune ordered the name (kanji only) to be changed to its current one. At Ekoin, visitors have the opportunity to try various experiences related to the Shingon teachings, like the Ajikan meditation method, sutra kanji copying, morning religious service, and a guided night tour of Okuno-in. Okuno-in is an amazing spot that is even more eerie at night.