Kōzen-ji

Kōzen-ji is a Buddhist temple in the mountain region of Kiso with several historic buildings surrounded by cedar trees and designed gardens. The grounds feature a three-story pagoda and traditional structures that exemplify the classical Japanese temple layout.

The temple was founded in 1434 and received support from powerful samurai clans during its early centuries. Its importance grew when a Shogun granted it resources to ensure its continued operation and maintenance.

The traditional Japanese garden beside the Main Hall reflects the aesthetic principles of the Kamakura period through its arrangement of stones, water, and plants. Walking through this space, you sense how the landscape was designed to invite meditation and contemplation.

The temple's elevation affects when natural blooms appear in the surrounding area, particularly cherry blossoms. Checking seasonal conditions before visiting helps you time your trip to see the landscape at its best.

A shrine structure on the grounds dating from an earlier era houses religious statues recognized as important cultural works in Japan. These sculptures reveal the artistic skill that was cultivated at this location over many centuries.