Kōzan-ji Temple

Kōzan-ji Temple, located in Togano-o, Umegahata, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, is an independent temple of the Shingon sect dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha. Surrounded by lush mountains near Jingo-ji Temple, it is famed for its tranquil atmosphere and rich collection of cultural treasures—most notably the “Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga” (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans), often regarded as the origin of Japanese manga. The temple grounds are a National Historic Site and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

History

Kōzan-ji traces its origins to the Nara period when Emperor Kōnin founded the temple “Toganō-dera” in 774. During the Heian period, it served as a sub-temple of Jingo-ji known as “Jūmujin-in.”
The temple flourished under the guidance of Myōe (1173–1232), a revered monk of the Kegon school. In 1206, Emperor Go-Toba granted him the Togano-o estate and bestowed the inscription “The Temple Where the Rising Sun First Shines.” Myōe emphasized strict discipline and meditation, and is credited with planting tea seeds given to him by Eisai, founder of the Rinzai Zen school—creating Japan’s oldest tea garden, a cornerstone of later Uji tea culture.

Many original structures were lost to wars and fires, but the Sekisui-in Hall (National Treasure) from the Kamakura period remains intact. In 1966, Kōzan-ji became an independent temple following doctrinal disputes within the Shingon sect.

Architecture & Grounds

The 1230 map “Illustration of Kōzan-ji” reveals its former grandeur. Surviving structures include:

• Sekisui-in (National Treasure): Former scripture repository and Myōe’s residence, featuring Emperor Go-Toba’s plaque.

• Main Hall (Kondō): Relocated from Ninna-ji in the Edo period; enshrines Shakyamuni.

• Founder’s Hall: Houses a seated statue of Myōe (Important Cultural Property).

• Ancient Tea Garden: Recognized as Japan’s oldest tea field.

• Iko-an & Garden: Built in 1931, designed by landscape master Ogawa Jihei VII.

Cultural Treasures

The temple preserves an extraordinary collection, many held in national museums.

National Treasures include:

• Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans)

• Kegon Patriarchs Scrolls

• Portrait of Myōe Meditating in a Tree

• Butsugen Butsumo Mandala

• Ancient manuscripts such as Yupian (Tang dynasty) and Myōhōki (Buddhist tales).

Important Cultural Properties encompass sculptures, Myōe’s writings (Yume no ki “Dream Diary”), and over 9,000 archival documents.