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List of Buddhist temples in Japan

Temple Koshoji

Magnificent cherry trees in full bloom at the Koshoji
Magnificent cherry trees in full bloom at the Koshoji In 1233, after his return from his study mission to China, Dōgen Zenji founded the Koshoji, the first Sōtō temple in Fukakusa, just south of the ancient capital Kyoto. During medieval warring, fire destroyed the compound and many priceless scriptures. In 1648, the local ruler Nagai Naomasa rebuilt it at Uji, its present location.

Magnificent cherry trees in full bloom at the Koshoji
A bright blue sky over the Main Hall and its beautiful green setting After Dōgen Zenji’s death, the Koshoji ceased to exist. But the abbot Banan Eishu revived it to serve as a center for the severe and simple style of Zen inherited from Dōgen Zenji. During the Edo period (1603-1867), novices from all over Japan came to train at the Koshoji, which, together with the Eiheiji and the Sojiji, cultivated many outstanding monks.

As well as a place of great scenic beauty, Uji, where the Koshoji is located, is famous for its green tea. Immediately inside the temple gate, a slope-called Kotozaka because of its resemblance to the Japanese koto harp-leads gently upward through murmuring streams. Rich stands of favorite Japanese trees-pine, peach, plum, willow, cherry, and maple-enhance the loveliness of the grounds.

Maples along Kotozaka slope
Maples along Kotozaka slope Silvery snow-covered Kotozaka slope inside the temple gate, in the so-called Chinese Sung style
Silvery snow-covered Kotozaka slope inside the temple gate, in the so-called Chinese Sung style

"Life of Zen" Movie ::: Daihonzan Eiheiji and Daihonzan Sojiji

movie Watch a movie of the monks of and Daihonzan Eiheiji passing their days in the serene pursuit of the practice of Zen Buddhism.

To watch the movie, simply click the left-hand image and watch in a new movie player window.

" Map"::: Koshoji

■ Location
10 kilometers south of the center of Kyoto. 10 minutes’ walk from Uji Station on the Uji Line of the Keihan Electric Railway. 15 minutes’ walk from the Uji Station of the JR Nara Line.

Address: 27-1, Uji Yamada, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture 611-0021,Japan
Phone: +81-774-21-2040
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