In Japan, it is believed that Saicho conducted the first Kanjo at Jingo-ji Temple at Mt. Takao in 805 (Saicho received the teachings of Himitsu (secret) kanjo from Jungyo at Ryuko-ji Temple when he visited Tang, and later received Kanjo in Kongokai (Diamond Realm) and Taizokai (Womb Realm) that were brought from Kukai.
日本では、805年に最澄が高雄山の神護寺で初めて灌頂を行ったといわれる（最澄は渡唐の際に龍興寺の順暁から秘密灌頂を受け、後年、空海の将来した金剛界・胎蔵界の灌頂も受けた）。