ABOUT
About this spot
Negoro-ji is the head temple of the Shingi Shingon sect in Iwade, Wakayama Prefecture. It traces its origins to 1130, when the monk Kakuban, who trained on Mount Koya, founded a hall here, and his followers moved to Negoro in 1140. In the late Muromachi period the temple grew into a huge complex with a large force of warrior monks, but most of it was burned in 1585 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked. The Great Pagoda and the Daishi-do survived. The highlight is the Great Pagoda, a National Treasure built in 1547. At about 37 m tall, it is Japan's largest wooden tahoto pagoda, and visitors can go inside to pray. The Daidenpo-do main hall (1827), the Komyoden, the Gyoja-do and the Shoten-do are Important Cultural Properties, and the Edo-period garden is a Place of Scenic Beauty. The temple is also known for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves. Admission is 500 yen for adults, and the grounds are open from 9:10 to 16:30 (to 16:00 from November to March).
Last updated October 25, 2026