Koyasan University: Main Library (高野山大学図書館）

About the Koyasan University Library:

The original Koyasan University Library was opened in 1898, however,  the current library facility was completed in 1929. When first opened, the library was referred to as the best library of the East.  The library holds 300,000 books, including library materials related to Vajrayana Buddhism, Japanese literature and history.

The Koyasan University Library, especially, has a large collections of esoteric and other Buddhist materials. Approximately 100,000 books are (Japanese) classics from pre-Edo period, which were donated from temples around Japan, They include designated important cultural properties such as "Dainichikyō (大日経)," "Kongōchōkyō (金剛頂経)," and "Soshitsujikyō (蘇悉地経)."  The library attracts not only Buddhist researchers but also researchers in the Japanese literature, philology and history field.

Collection Size: 300,000 volumes

Focus: Buddhism, Esoteric Buddhism, (Japanese) Literature, (Japanese) History

Notable Collection(s):

• Koyasōzan no ezu (高野惣山之絵図): The oldest Koyasan (1645) that exists drawn in the Edo period. On the back of the item, it is written "高野惣山之絵図／正保二乙酉年十一月二十一日 (Koya mountain picture/ November 21st, 1964)."

• Nijūgo zanmai kōshiki (二十五三昧講式): Notes(?) from services that were held on the 15th day of every month by 25 monks of Yokawa shuryōgo in (横川首楞巌院) who were influenced by Genshin, a pioneer of Pure Land Buddhism in the Heian period.

• Sangō Shiiki (三教指帰): A dialectic allegory (the third volume) written by Kōbōdaishi (弘法大師) in 794. It is Japan's oldest comparative ideological critique. At the time of writing, Kōbōdaishi was 24 years old. It is his debut work.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects different romanization system used by an individual institution.

Directions:

1. Nankai Koya line (南海高野線) Osaka Nanba station (大阪難波駅):

• Limited Express (特急): About 1 hour 20 min. (4 trains a day)

• Express (急行): About 1 hour 40 min. (every 30 min.)

Using the Library

Prior to the Visit: No Advance Inquiry/Preparation Required 

• Please verify the desired material is available by using their OPAC.

• Letter of Introduction (紹介状 Shōkaijō) from your home institution library is required. Please use the following form if the home institution does not have one:
   
  • Letter of Introduction (Word,  PDF)

• Library materials request form (図書閲覧願 Tosho etsuran negai) from your home institution is requireds. Please use the following form if the home institution does not have one:
  • Library Materials Request Form (Word,  PDF)

Upon Arrival:

• Please present the letter of introduction and some form of personal ID.

Floor Plans: 

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• You have to buy a copy card (1,000 yen) at the reading room counter.

• Please fill out a request for photocopying (複写申請書 Fukusha shinseisho) and submit it to the library staff.

Borrowing:

• To borrow library materials, you have to register for annual membership. Plese download the sign-up form.
  

• Please present your photo ID when applying the membership (the library will copy your ID).

• Up to 5 books for one week

Accessing Rare Materials

• Rare Books-deposition books will be available for viewing only. 

• Please fill out a rare material request form "貴重書・寄託書閲覧願（PDF)" and submit it at the reading room counter. You can also fax or e-mail the form at least 10 days prior to your visit.

• Some materials may not be available for viewing depending on their conditions.

• If you have annual membership with the library,  you can view rare materials or deposition books, but please make sure to contact the library at least 10 days prior to your visit.

Upon Arrival:

• Please follow the instructions of the staff.

Photocopy:

• When you want a copy of rare books, deposition books, please fill out a copy request form "貴重書・寄託図書複写許可申請書（PDF)" and submit it to the staff.  You will need to seal (捺印 Natsuin) the application form. The form will be sent to the library director for approval.

Note: For more information, please refer to "ご利用案内 ".

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net