Facebook/高野山金剛峰寺 Koyasan Kongobuji
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On September 21, 2025, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, visited Kōyasan. During their stay they visited Kongobu-ji Head Temple, the Reihokan Museum, Danjo Garan, and Okunoin.
At Kongobu-ji, Their Royal Highnesses were warmly received by Representative Director Venerable Taishin Imagawa, General Affairs Director Venerable Honjun Kondo, and Internal Affairs Director Venerable Masahiro Kishimoto.
After being shown around the temple, Their Royal Highnesses were served matcha and wagashi in the Okuden, a hall also used for lodging and resting by members of the Imperial Family. When Venerable Imagawa explained the wagashi,
Their Royal Highnesses expressed admiration for the Japanese sense of the seasons. When Venerable Kondo conveyed our pleasure that the meeting with the Duke and Duchess was a true “ichigo ichie,” His Royal Highness the Duke nodded appreciatively.
After leaving Kongobu-ji, the Duke and Duchess proceeded to the Reihokan, where Director Venerable Shoryu Oomori guided Their Royal Highnesses through the treasures of Koyasan. Their Royal Highnesses showed keen interest in explanations of sculpture techniques and styles, and in the Buddhist meanings and messages embodied in the works.
Later, near Ichi-no-hashi at Okunoin, Their Royal Highnesses viewed a replica of the Nestorian Stele commemorating the spread and flourishing of Christianity in China, erected by the British scholar Elizabeth Gordon. They paused before the stele that marks connections between Kobo Daishi Kukai and Christianity, and examined the inscription with interest.
To conclude their stay at Koyasan, the Duke and Duchess paid respects at Okunoin, visiting the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Yuina, Venerable Daizen Niga, who manages the precincts and oversees ceremonies and memorial services, welcomed and guided Their Royal Highnesses.
Following tradition, the Duke and Duchess poured water at the Mizumuke Jizo before proceeding to the mausoleum. En route they also stopped at a royal mausoleum associated with the Imperial Family and with close ties to the British royal household.
At the mausoleum they offered lights and incense and observed a moment of silent prayer. Their Royal Highnesses remarked that they were deeply moved by the quiet and solemn atmosphere created by Koyasan’s natural environment.
When we explained that the Shojingu, the offering of food to Kobo Daishi continued for some 800 years since his entering to the eternal meditation, includes young monks who, while observing strict rules, also serve modern and Western-style dishes, Their Royal Highnesses expressed deep interest in the diversity of religious practice at Koyasan.