Kimiidera

Kimiidera in Wakayama City is an ancient temple said to have been founded in 770, formally known as Kongoboji Gokokuin on Mount Kimii. It came to be called Kimiidera, which refers to three wells, because three sacred springs well up on its grounds. Its principal image is the eleven-faced Kannon, and it is known for blessings of protection from misfortune, good fortune, good relationships, safe childbirth, and child blessing. As the second temple of the Saigoku pilgrimage of thirty-three Kannon sites, it has welcomed many pilgrims. From the grounds spread out atop a long flight of stone steps, you can take in the whole of Wakanoura, and it is cherished as one of the finest places to view cherry blossoms in the Kansai region.

Highlights

• The steep flight of 231 stone steps that greet visitors on the way up to the main hall
• The three sacred springs on the grounds, which give the temple its name
• A grand panorama of Wakanoura and the sea from the elevated grounds
• Deep faith and history as the second temple of the Saigoku pilgrimage of thirty-three sites

The stone steps continuing beyond the gate are also known as the Slope of Bonds, and once climbed they open onto grounds overlooking Wakanoura Bay. The main hall enshrines the eleven-faced Kannon, and the temple has long drawn deep devotion as a sacred site of Kannon worship. A pagoda, a bell tower, and other atmospheric halls are dotted about the grounds, and together with the view over Wakanoura, the visit itself becomes a memorable experience.

Enjoying the Seasons

Kimiidera is known as one of the earliest places in the Kansai region to see cherry blossoms, and in spring the grounds are wrapped in pale flower color. It is also known for having a reference tree used to announce the arrival of the cherry blossom front, and the season draws many blossom viewers. With fresh green in early summer and foliage in autumn, it is beautiful in every season, and the view of Wakanoura from the heights changes its expression season by season. In the clear air of winter, the far-reaching views are a delight.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kimiidera, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Kimiidera Station on the Kinokuni Line
• By car: Approach via the Hanwa Expressway area and use nearby parking
• Visiting: An admission fee may be required for the main hall and other buildings; check reception hours in advance
• There are 231 steep stone steps up to the main hall, so wear comfortable shoes

Practical Travel Notes

• If the steps are difficult, an elevator or incline up to the grounds is available for a fee during certain hours; check in advance to be safe
• The cherry blossom season, usually late March to early April, is especially crowded; weekdays or early mornings allow a more relaxed visit
• The view of Wakanoura from the heights is spectacular; catch your breath at the top of the steps before enjoying the scenery
• If you would like a goshuin seal, check the reception hours at the sutra office
• Combining the visit with nearby sights such as Wakaura and Wakayama Marina City makes for a good day exploring the southern part of Wakayama City

A Quick Tip

The cherry blossom season is especially popular, but on weekdays or early in the morning you can visit at a more relaxed pace. The view from the top of the 231 steps is exceptional, so climb at a comfortable pace, catch your breath, and then take in the scenery of Wakanoura.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published content from Kimiidera (Kongohoji Gokokuin), information from Wakayama City and its tourism association, and on-site signs about the Ketsuenzaka steps, the three sacred springs, and the precinct halls. Kimiidera is the second of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage temples. Admission fees and hours, the cable-car operating hours, and sutra-office details may change, so please confirm with the official information of the temple or the tourism association before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• What to prepare: The main hall is reached by 231 steep stone steps, so sturdy shoes are recommended
• Access note: If the steps are hard, a cable car (paid) up to the precincts runs at certain hours, so check in advance
• Crowd note: The cherry season (late March to early April) is especially crowded, so weekdays or early mornings are calmer
• Highlight tip: The view of Wakaura from the heights is superb, so catch your breath after the climb before enjoying it
• Touring tip: Combined with Wakaura and the Wakayama Marina City area, you can tour southern Wakayama in a day