Kōzan-ji Temple

Welcome to Kōzan-ji. To arrive here, we have journeyed far from the crowded, manicured midtown of Kyoto, taking a long bus ride into the dense, mountainous region of Toganoo. …

Following the stone path upward, we arrive at the absolute jewel of Kōzan-ji: the Sekisui-in. Designated as a National Treasure, this is the main building and the sole surviving architectural structure from the Kamakura period on…

Within the wooden halls of the Sekisui-in, you will encounter displays of one of the most famous and surprising artifacts in Japanese art history: the 'Choju-Jinbutsu-Giga', or the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals. These ink-wash…

Also housed within the quiet confines of the Sekisui-in is a small, masterfully carved wooden statue known as the 'Zenzai Doji-zo'. Zenzai Doji (Sudhana in Sanskrit) is a prominent figure in the Avatamsaka Sutra, known as the…

Stepping out from the Sekisui-in and walking slightly further into the grounds, we encounter a small, remarkably unassuming plot of land marked by a stone monument. The inscription proudly declares this as the 'Oldest tea…

Pushing further up the steep, forested hillside, we reach the geographic center of Kōzan-ji. Here stands the Kaizan-do, or Founder's Hall. …

Finally, we reach the highest structural point of the complex: the Kon-do, the temple's Main Hall. Surprisingly, given the ancient origins of Kōzan-ji, this specific building is a relatively recent addition. …

As we conclude our tour and prepare to head back down the mountain toward the bus stop—perhaps moving on to view the grand palaces of Ninna-ji or Nijo-jo next—let us take a final moment to absorb the unique atmosphere of…