Kōsan-ji, Buddhist temple in Onomichi, Japan
Kōsan-ji is a Buddhist temple on Ikuchijima Island that spans a large area with multiple buildings displaying different styles of Japanese architecture. The complex includes various structures and houses a museum with classical Japanese art pieces.
Construction began in the 1930s when a businessman initiated the project as a personal memorial, and the work took several decades to finish. The site today shows different architectural layers that reflect this long building period.
The temple was built as a tribute to its founder's mother, and this personal dedication shapes how the space feels and is arranged. Visitors can sense this intention in the way each building and garden area connects to the whole.
A ferry connects Onomichi to the island, and buses go directly to the temple. The site is spread out, so plan for enough time to explore at a comfortable pace.
A hilltop within the grounds features a collection of sculptures made from Italian marble, including a tower structure at its peak. This unexpected European art presence creates a striking contrast with the traditional Japanese buildings.
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