What Kind of Temple Is Kozenji?

Located in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture, Kozenji is a Zen temple belonging to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is believed to have been founded during the Muromachi period.
Nestled quietly in the mountains, the temple grounds harmonize with the natural beauty of the Kiso Valley, offering peace and tranquility to visitors.

The temple is also closely connected to the famous samurai Kiso Yoshinaka, known for his role in the Genpei War. Within the grounds stands a weeping cherry tree called the "Shigure-zakura," said to be the second generation grown from one Yoshinaka himself planted. The tree is especially beautiful in spring, when it is well-known for being lit up in nighttime illuminations.

Highlights of the Sanmon Gate and Main Hall

As you walk along the approach to the temple, the first thing you'll notice is the Sanmon Gate0:08. Though simple and wooden in design, it exudes a dignified presence that speaks to its long history, gently calming those who pass through it.

Photo: Kozenji Temple in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture

Beyond the gate, a flight of stone steps leads up to the Main Hall (0:17). The hall is solemn yet serene, enveloping visitors in a peaceful atmosphere. Offering a prayer here can calm your mind before exploring the gardens, deepening the sense of spiritual connection.

What Are the Four Gardens of Kozenji?

Kozenji is home to four distinctive gardens: the Bansho-tei, a traditional pond-style garden from the early Edo period; the Kan'un-tei, a dry landscape garden created by Mirei Shigemori in the mid-Showa era; and two modern dry landscape gardens by Motomi Oguchi from the Heisei era—the Shoryu no Niwa and the Shumisen no Niwa.

Photo: Dry landscape garden at Kozenji Temple, Kiso, Nagano Prefecture

Dry Landscape Garden “Kan’un-tei”

Kan’un-tei (1:07) is a dry landscape garden designed by the renowned garden artist Mirei Shigemori in the 1950s.
This expansive stone garden is sometimes referred to as one of the largest of its kind in Japan and was officially designated a Registered Monument (Place of Scenic Beauty) in 2019.

The minimalist composition of white gravel and stone arrangements allows for varied interpretations—some see the ocean, mountains, or drifting clouds. As its name suggests, it is a “garden for viewing clouds,” offering moments of stillness that let the mind wander skyward.

Pond Garden “Bansho-tei”

Bansho-tei is a traditional pond garden attributed to tea master Kanamori Sowa.
Centered around a reflective pond, the garden features pine trees and carefully arranged stones that create a peaceful and refined atmosphere.

The scenery changes with the seasons—the autumn foliage and snowy winter landscapes reflected on the water are particularly breathtaking.
A Treasure Hall is also located within the temple grounds, where visitors can enjoy cultural artifacts alongside the garden views.

Dry Landscape Garden “Shoryu no Niwa”

Shoryu no Niwa, or "Garden of the Ascending Dragon," was created by Motomi Oguchi during the Heisei era.
As the name implies, the stone arrangement represents a dragon soaring toward the heavens, evoking a powerful sense of movement.

With its delicately crafted sand patterns and symbolic rock placements, the garden invites viewers to envision a dragon taking flight into the sky.

Dry Landscape Garden “Shumisen no Niwa (Garden of Nine Mountains and Eight Seas)”

Last is Shumisen no Niwa, or the “Garden of Mount Sumeru,” a dry landscape garden symbolizing the cosmic mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe. Also known as the “Garden of Nine Mountains and Eight Seas,” it depicts Buddhist cosmology using stones and sand.

Designed by Motomi Oguchi, this garden expresses the abstract beauty of Zen, offering a tangible experience of Buddhist thought through landscape.

The Shigure-zakura and Its Illuminated Beauty

A highlight of spring at Kozenji is the Shigure-zakura, a weeping cherry tree said to be the second generation from one planted by Kiso Yoshinaka.
It usually reaches full bloom from mid to late April, with its pale pink blossoms covering the branches.

At night, the tree is illuminated, creating a dreamlike scene where it appears to float in the darkness. Reflected in the pond and accompanied by stone lanterns, the nighttime cherry blossoms are especially captivating—making this a favorite spot among photographers.

The light-up event typically takes place from late March to early April, from sunset to around 10:00 PM. For 2025, it is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, but dates may vary yearly, so please check official announcements in advance.

Nearby Spots to Explore Alongside Kozenji

If you're visiting Kozenji, be sure to explore the historic post towns along the Nakasendo Trail.

Tsumago-juku, which retains the look and feel of the Edo period, is about a 45-minute drive from Kiso-Fukushima.
Magome-juku, with its sloping streets and nostalgic charm, is about 60 minutes away by car.

Photo: Tsumago-juku, Nagano Prefecture

Both are highlights of the Kiso region and make for a perfect pairing with Kozenji’s beautiful gardens. Exploring these historical towns alongside the temple visit will enrich your travel experience.

How to Enjoy Kozenji on a Tour or Day Trip

Thanks to its relatively easy access from both Nagoya and Nagano City, Kozenji is a great option for a day trip.

A typical itinerary includes visiting the temple and gardens in the morning, then exploring Tsumago-juku or Magome-juku in the afternoon. During cherry blossom season, many visitors return to Kozenji in the evening to enjoy the illuminated Shigure-zakura before heading home.

Many travel agencies offer tours that combine Kozenji with nearby post towns, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage later in the year.

Access and Visitor Information

On Foot: About 20–23 minutes from JR Kiso-Fukushima Station
By Car: From Shiojiri IC / Ina IC / Nakatsugawa IC via National Route 19 (Travel times may vary depending on road conditions)
By Bus: No regular shuttle bus service confirmed. Please check the latest official updates when planning your visit.
Admission: Adults: ¥500, Children: ¥300
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Open Season: April 1 – November 23: All four gardens + Treasure Hall; November 24 – March 31: Only Kan’un-tei and Bansho-tei are open
Light-Up Event: Late March to early April, from sunset to around 10:00 PM

👉 For more details, visit the official website:
Kozenji – Kiso Tourism Association Official Site

Conclusion: A Temple Where Gardens and Cherry Blossoms Create Harmony

Kozenji Temple features four unique gardens—Kan’un-tei, Bansho-tei, Shoryu no Niwa, and Shumisen no Niwa—each offering its own aesthetic experience. In spring, the legendary Shigure-zakura, said to have ties to Kiso Yoshinaka, adds color to the temple grounds. Its nighttime illumination draws visitors into a magical atmosphere.

When traveling in the Kiso region or Nagano Prefecture, consider including Kozenji in your itinerary. Here, history, nature, and garden beauty come together for a truly special and enriching experience.