Kozan-ji
Discover Tranquility at Kozan-ji Temple
Kozan-ji: A Sanctuary of History and Art
Discover ancient art, serene gardens, and Japan's first manga at Kyoto's Kozan-ji Temple, a hidden gem in the mountains.
Kozan-ji, nestled in the mountains northwest of Kyoto, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Rebuilt in the 13th century by the monk Myōe, it houses national treasures, including the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls, considered Japan's first manga, and boasts the oldest tea garden in Japan.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Kozan-ji
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
8 Umegahata Toganoocho, Kyoto, Umegahata Toganoocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8295, JP
Monday
8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday
8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday
8:30 am-5 pm
Thursday
8:30 am-5 pm
Friday
8:30 am-5 pm
Saturday
8:30 am-5 pm
Sunday
8:30 am-5 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Kozan-ji
Getting There
Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Takao Keihoku Line bus to Toganoo (approx. 50 minutes, ¥500). Alternatively, take Kyoto City Bus #8 from Shijo Station to the Takao bus stop (approx. 45 minutes, ¥500, but the Kyoto City bus one-day pass only covers a portion of the fare). From the Toganoo bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Kozan-ji.
Taxi
From central Kyoto, a taxi to Kozan-ji will take approximately 30-40 minutes, costing around ¥4,000-¥5,000. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak seasons, especially in late October and early November.
Local tips
✓
Visit during autumn for stunning foliage, but be prepared for crowds and a possible entrance fee to the grounds.
✓
The original Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls are not on display at the temple; replicas are available for viewing.
✓
Combine your visit with nearby Jingo-ji and Saimyo-ji temples for a full day of exploring the Takao area.
Discover more about Kozan-ji
Kozan-ji, officially Toganōsan Kōsan-ji, is a Buddhist temple of the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism, located in the serene Umegahata Toganōchō area of Kyoto. Founded in 774 and revived in 1206 by the Kegon Buddhist priest Myōe, the temple is renowned for its significant cultural properties and tranquil mountain setting.
The temple's most famous treasures are the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls, 12th and 13th-century ink paintings depicting caricatures of animals and humans, considered the earliest examples of manga. Replicas are displayed in the Sekisui-in Hall, while the originals are preserved in the Kyoto and Tokyo National Museums. The Sekisui-in, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), is the only original structure remaining and is itself a National Treasure.
Myōe also cultivated Japan's oldest tea garden at Kozan-ji, planting seeds brought from China. The temple celebrates this legacy with an annual tea offering ceremony. Other points of interest include the Founder's Hall, housing a wooden bust of Myōe, and the relocated main hall from Ninna-ji Temple. Kozan-ji's mountainous location offers scenic views, especially during the autumn foliage season.
A brief summary to Kozan-ji
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Settsu
Discover Settsu, Japan's serene heartland, where ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and scenic landscapes offer a tranquil escape from city life.
Tell me more about Settsu