Kozanji Temple

This famous temple was founded in 1327. The Butsuden (Buddhist hall), which preserves the oldest Zen temple style in Japan, is designated as a National Treasure and, together with Zenpukuin Shakado, is a representative example of the Kamakura period style of Zen Buddhist architecture in the Tang style.

In 1333, the temple was designated as an imperial temple by Emperor Godaigo, and in 1336, Ashikaga Takauji donated the temple’s territory to the temple, which prospered under the respect of Asano.

The temple is also known as the temple where Takasugi Shinsaku raised his army, and there is a bronze statue of Shinsaku on horseback in the temple grounds. There is also a monument to the many bones of the deceased, built of stones donated from all over Japan to commemorate those who died in the Meiji Restoration. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are beautiful.

Butsuden (Buddhist Hall)
The date of construction is known to be 1320, earlier than the year of its foundation, according to the writing in ink on the pillars. It is an irimoya style with a hinoki bark roof. It has a single-layered Mokoshi (a kind of stairs). The three-sectioned hall is surrounded by a costumed floor.

The main image of the seated Senju Kannon is enshrined in the hall. It is a typical Zen Buddhist temple, dating back to the Kamakura period, and is valuable as it is clearly dated.

Gate
The gate was built in 1773 by order of Mori Masayoshi, the 10th lord of the Chofu domain. The gate was built in 1773 by order of Mori Masayoshi, the 10th lord of the Chofu domain. It has a beautifully curved roof with an irimoya (gabled roof) and a tile roofing, and is in the style of a double gate with three gates and three doors.