Hojakusan Kozenji Temple

Around 70 weeping cherry blossom trees are planted at Hoshaku-san Komyo-ji Temple. The oldest tree is about 200 years old, and the best time to see them in full bloom is usually around mid-April. Since there are several different types of trees, the blooming season varies, and the flowers can be enjoyed for up to three weeks. In addition to these, there are also other cherry blossom trees in the temple grounds, such as the "Fudo Falls Cherry Blossom" and the "Old Bell Tower Tree" cherry blossoms, which have been cultivated by the temple's head priest for generations. The temple grounds are full of highlights in the spring.

Kouzenji Temple has one of the only 10 remaining three-story pagodas in Nagano Prefecture. You can feel the history of this solemn three-story pagoda, which was beloved by famous military commanders such as Hashiba and Tokugawa. In addition, there are many cultural treasures such as Niou statues and Tahoutou pagodas on the temple grounds, all of which have high historical value. The entire temple grounds have been designated as a national cultural treasure, so immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of this miraculous and elegant temple.

At Komyoji Temple, there is moss that emits an enchanting light in dark places, which has been there since ancient times. If you take a peek between the stones of the stone walls that continue along the approach, or under the edges of the Bokkaku-den, you can discover moss that emits a faint light. The moss is in full bloom from April to October, for only half a year. It cannot be seen during the cold season, so if you visit the Hojyusan Komyoji Temple from spring to autumn, be sure to look for it.

One of the ways to enjoy Kozenji Temple is to receive a temple seal at the office. The seal features Fudo Myoo in the center, with the seal of Hoshaku Mountain in the upper right, the seal of Bonji in the center, the seal of Tendai Sect Bekkaku Honzan in the upper left, and the seal of Shinshu Kozenji in the lower left. You can also receive a temple seal featuring the spiritual dog, Hayataro. In addition, there are experiences such as sutra copying and zazen meditation for visitors. If you plan to receive a temple seal, keep in mind that it may take some time to complete, so it's recommended to first visit the famous spots within the temple grounds, such as the main hall and three-story pagoda.

The pond and spring garden in the main hall and guest hall of Kozenji Temple, as well as the garden in front of the main hall, are designated as national scenic spots. The gardens of the main hall and guest hall, which can be entered for a fee of 500 yen for adults and free for junior high school students and younger, offer a stillness that feels like time has stopped and a beauty of nature. During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a gorgeous view that is different from usual, so please visit if you are interested.