Kogakuji Temple: A Zen Retreat in Koshu

Kogakuji Temple, originally founded as Kogaku-an in 1380, is a significant Zen Buddhist temple located in Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture. Founded by Bassui Tokusho, a respected Zen prelate, the temple initially served as a hermitage before growing into a prominent center of Zen practice. Emperor Go-Kameyama designated it as a temple to pray for the nation during the Nanboku-cho period. Throughout its history, Kogakuji has been supported by powerful regional figures such as the Takeda clan, who helped expand the temple grounds. Although fires and battles caused repeated destruction and reconstruction, the temple retains its classic Zen layout, featuring a main gate, central gate, founder's hall, and priests' quarters. The Middle Gate (Chumon), dating back to the Muromachi period, is a Prefectural Important Cultural Property. Kogakuji is also home to nationally designated cultural properties, including a painting of Daruma. The temple's garden, a National Place of Scenic Beauty, features an arrangement of rock formations, ponds, and waterfalls. While the garden and halls are generally not open to the public due to the temple's focus on ascetic practice, a festival is held annually at the Akiba-jinja Shrine within the temple precinct on April 18th, attracting local residents.