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Kozan-ji: A Sanctuary of History and Art

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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.

A brief summary to Kozan-ji

  • 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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kozan-ji.

  • 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.

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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.

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.

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