Kōsen-ji, Buddhist temple in Kusatsu Onsen, Japan.
Kōsen-ji is a Buddhist temple positioned on a hillside with stone steps and lanterns overlooking the Yubatake hot spring source. The grounds feature a Shaka-do pavilion with a substantial thatched roof and red-capped Jizo statues set among moss-covered stone surfaces.
Founded in 1200, the temple became the primary religious center of the Kusatsu thermal area. Its establishment marked the beginning of spiritual life at what would grow into an important hot spring destination.
The temple grounds hold monuments to poets Kobayashi Issa and Matsuo Basho, both of whom composed verses during their visits to this hot spring town. These literary connections show how the place has drawn creative travelers for generations.
The temple sits in a central location within the hot spring area and is easily reached from Kusatsu Bus Terminal. The climb up stone steps is gradual, so allow time for the ascent and wear sturdy footwear.
The red caps on each Jizo statue are left by local visitors as offerings of gratitude to the protector spirit of children and travelers. Over time, this practice became so widespread that the red-capped figures now serve as the temple's most recognizable feature.
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