Buddhist temple
Myōō-in
明王院（みょうおういん）
Kōya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture
A bekkaku honzan (special head temple) of Kōyasan Shingon-shū on Kōyasan, known by the popular name "Aka Fudō" (Red Fudō). Its principal image is the Aka Fudō Myōō, said to depict the form that Chishō Daishi Enchin perceived in a vision.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Aka Fudō Myōō
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said to have been opened by Kōbō Daishi in Kōnin 7 (816) and later revived by Nyohō Shōnin, and it is said to be one of the oldest temples on Kōyasan. It is said that Emperor Go-Daigo deeply revered the principal image, the Aka Fudō, as his personal guardian image, and that toward the end of the Southern Court it was moved to Kōyasan to escape the fires of war.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The principal image is a hibutsu (hidden buddha); it is shown each year on April 28, the day of the Aka Fudō Myōō Grand Festival (if the weather is fine).
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 明王院「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.