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2023.9.30
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Kozanji Temple

Feel Japanese culture at [Kozanji] in Takao, a place related to Myoe Shonin

Kozan-ji Temple is famous for its world heritage sites, national treasures, and caricatures of animals and animals, but I would like to mention Myoe Shonin, who revived the temple in the Kamakura period.

1.The charm of Kozanji

Myoe Shonin is said to have written a love letter to the statue of Shaka Nyorai, as he had a deep faith in Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. He also cut off his right ear because of his faith. In addition, it was admired by many people, one of whom was the Retired Emperor Go-Toba, who presented him with an imperial plaque ``Hinode Senthou Kozan no ji'' and gave it the temple name of Kozan-ji. Kozanji has developed as a temple of learning, and even today, there are more than 10,000 national treasures and important cultural properties.
It is said that the 'Arubeki Youwa' preached by Shonin was used as a reference by the Hojo clan when establishing the Goseibai Shikimoku. In this land rich in nature, you can feel Myoe Shonin, who had a great influence on Japanese history.

Kozanji Temple

2.Animals and children whom Myoe respected

Kozanji Temple

Inside the Sekisui-in Temple, a statue of Zenzai Doji, which Myoe respected and loved, and a portrait of Myoe (reproduction) are displayed. The portrait painted by a disciple depicts Myoe Shonin training in the mountains of Toganoo. If you look closely, you can also see animals such as birds and squirrels on the painting, which is a good representation of the animal-loving Shonin's personality.

3.National Treasure Sekisui-in, where the appearance of the Kamakura period remains

Kozanji Temple

blue maple in summer

The only existing building that Myoe Shonin actually used. Shinden-zukuri from the Kamakura period is a very rare building, and you can see the scenery of Mt. The actual plaque ``Hinode Senthou Kozan no ji'' given by the Retired Emperor Gotoba is on display.

4.The birthplace of Japanese tea culture

Kozanji Temple
Kozanji Temple

It is said that Japanese tea culture began when Eisai Zenji brought back tea seeds from China and gave them to Myoe Shonin, who planted them here. Toganoo's tea was called honcha, and the others were called non-cha. This tea was introduced to Uji and spread to various places.
You can also have matcha green tea for 700 yen at the tea ceremony next to Sekisuiin.

5.Animal-loving Myoe Shonin's Choju-giga

Kozanji Temple

Choju caricatures are also drawn on tea tickets and sweets at the tea ceremony

Anthropomorphic animals such as rabbits and frogs are comically depicted in picture scrolls that are said to be the origin of manga. A replica is always on display in Sekisui-in. It is a picture scroll that has been handed down because it is a temple of Myoe Shonin who loved animals deeply.

6.Hand-made stone walls from the Kamakura period

Kozanji Temple
Kozanji Temple

The stone walls that remain throughout the precincts were built by hand during the Kamakura period. A valuable historical site that remains even after hundreds of years. The stairs leading up to the temple are also from those days, and we can touch the stone wall that Myoe Shonin touched, and we can feel the connection of history. In autumn, the contrast between autumn leaves and green trees is beautiful.

Autumn leaves season information

  • Best time to see/usually mid-November to early December
    Special Open House Program for Unlisted Cultural Properties, sponsored by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Culture
    Period of visitation: Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Monday, November 20, 2023
    Hours: 9:00-16:00 (last admission)
    Entrance fee: Adults 1000 yen, Junior high and high school students 500 yen
    *Free admission for one child of elementary school age and under when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    Entrance fee of 500 yen is required.
    *Seoksuin 1,000 yen is required separately.

Kozanji Temple

  • Kosanji
  • 8 Umegahata Toganocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 1 minute walk from Toganoo bus stop
  • Tel.075-861-4204
  • 50 parking lots (charged only in autumn)
  • https://kosanji.com/

  • [Normal visit]
    Visiting hours/8:30-17:00
    Entrance fee/free (except autumn)
    Seoksuin Temple entrance fee/1,000 yen

    PHOTO / Takahiro Takami (green maple), Katsuyuki Hatanaka (autumn leaves)
    TEXT / Maho Nomura
    *Photographed with special permission
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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