A Historic Temple in the Castle Town of Chofu, Surrounded by a Sacred Grove
Kozan-ji was founded during the Kamakura period by the monk Kyoan Genjaku as a Rinzai Zen temple. Its main Buddha hall, recognized as the oldest Zen-style hall in Japan, is designated as a National Treasure. Originally named Chofuku-ji, the temple was renamed Kozan-ji after becoming the official ancestral temple of Mori Hidemoto, the founder of the Chofu Domain. The temple grounds have served as the backdrop for pivotal moments in Japanese history—most notably as the launching site for Takasugi Shinsaku’s uprising, a key turning point in the Meiji Restoration. History enthusiasts and samurai fans flock here to view the bronze statue of Shinsaku on horseback, as well as the graves of the Chofu Mori clan, Ouchi Yoshinaga, and Miyoshi Shinzo (a Chofu samurai who served as Sakamoto Ryoma’s bodyguard). The approach to the temple begins along the stone-paved Danjo River. Passing through the Sanmon gate and climbing the stone steps enveloped by a lush, sacred grove creates a deeply atmospheric experience. Known affectionately as the "Maple Temple," Kozan-ji is famous for its breathtaking autumn foliage, as well as hydrangeas in early summer. It remains one of the most beloved and celebrated temples in the castle town of Chofu.
