高山寺

The Kōzan-ji temple complex stretches across a hillside, featuring traditional Japanese architecture with wooden structures and stone pathways through gardens.

Founded in 774 CE, the temple gained prominence in 1206 when Emperor Go-Toba granted the land to monk Myōe, who transformed it into a center of Buddhist learning.

The temple holds the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls, containing the earliest examples of Japanese ink paintings depicting animals performing human activities.

Visitors can access the temple grounds between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM throughout the year, with an entrance fee of 1000 yen and additional fees during autumn.

The temple maintains Japan's oldest tea garden, where monk Myōe cultivated the first tea plants that later spread to establish Uji's famous tea production.

Location: Ogawa

GPS coordinates: 36.64175,137.98300

Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:06