Kogakuji, Yamanashi Travel Guide

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Discover Kogakuji Temple in Koshu: A historic Zen Buddhist retreat with serene gardens and cultural treasures, offering a glimpse into Japanese spiritual heritage.

Kogakuji Temple, nestled in Koshu, Yamanashi, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to 1380. As the head temple of one of the Rinzai school's autonomous branches, it offers a glimpse into traditional Zen architecture and peaceful gardens, though the inner grounds are typically reserved for ascetic practice.

A brief summary to Kogakuji

2026 Enzankamiozo, Koshu, Enzankamiozo, Yamanashi, 404-0042, JP
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

While the inner gardens are typically closed to the public, the outer temple grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.
Visit on April 18th to experience the annual Akiba-jinja Shrine festival, a local event held within the temple precinct.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions in Koshu, such as Erinji Temple and Hokoji Temple.

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Explore Kogakuji on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Kogakuji, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Kogakuji Temple via public transport, take the JR Chuo Line to Enzan Station. From Enzan Station, the temple is approximately a 15-minute taxi ride or a short ride on a local Koshu Shimin Bus. Several bus lines operate from Enzan Station, including the Tamamiya Line. Bus fares are typically around ¥200-¥400 for a short trip within Koshu. Taxi fare from Enzan Station to Kogakuji Temple is approximately ¥1,500-¥2,000.
Walking

While walking to Kogakuji Temple is possible, it's not recommended as the primary mode of transport from Enzan Station due to the distance (approximately 5km) and limited pedestrian pathways along the route. If you choose to walk from a closer location in Enzankamiozo, be prepared for a journey of approximately 1 hour, following local roads. Ensure you have a map and are comfortable walking on roads with limited sidewalks.

Discover more about Kogakuji

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.