Sunlight filters through the ancient trees here at Kousanji Temple. Founded in 1206 by the monk Myōe, Kousanji Temple stands as a testament to history and culture.
Kousanji Temple is officially named Toganōsan Kōsanji. It belongs to the Omuro sect of Shingon Buddhism. Myōe, a scholar, established this sacred space. He was granted the land by Emperor Go-Toba.
The temple’s name comes from a line in the Avatamsaka Sutra. It translates to: “When the sun appears, it first casts its light upon the highest mountain.”
Imagine Myōe selecting this serene location. Togano, deep in the mountains, was ideal for mountain asceticism. Small temples had existed here for centuries. Emperor Kōnin may have ordered their establishment as early as 774.
Among Kousanji Temple’s treasures are National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga ink paintings, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, are particularly famous. These depict animals in human-like activities. They offer a glimpse into the satire of the time. Some say they mock the priests.
The temple celebrates Biyakkōshin, Zenmyōshin, and Kasuga Myōjin. These are Shinto deities. Kousanji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
Over the centuries, fire and war have damaged Kousanji Temple many times. Sekisui-in is the oldest remaining structure. It dates back to the Kamakura period.
Originally, Kousanji Temple had a large gate. There was also a main hall, a three-storied pagoda, and halls dedicated to Amitabha and Lohan. A bell tower, scripture hall, and Shinto shrine were also present. Only the scripture hall remains from this original layout. It is now the Sekisui-in.
Today, Kousanji Temple also has a main hall that was moved from Ninna-ji. There is also a hall dedicated to the temple’s founding. This hall holds a wooden bust of Myōe.
Look closely at Sekisui-in. It exemplifies the Irimoyazukuri style. It features a gabled, hipped, shingled roof.
Kousanji Temple’s treasures are often on loan to national museums. The Kegon-shū Soshi Eden scroll portrays the lives of Korean Kegon founders. The Myōe Shōnin-zō portrait shows Myōe surrounded by mountains.
Consider the Yupian. It is a Tang period copy of a Chinese dictionary. It is the oldest Chinese character dictionary in Japan. Another treasure is the Tenrei Banshō Meigi. It is valued as the only remaining copy of a kanji dictionary compiled by Kūkai.
Japanese tea culture has roots here at Kousanji Temple. Eisai Zenji brought tea seeds from China. He gave them to Myōe, who planted them here. Toganoo’s tea became known as honcha. It was considered the only “true” tea.
As you wander through the temple, imagine Myōe’s influence. He revived Kousanji Temple. He even wrote a love letter to the statue of Shaka Nyorai.
Notice the stone walls. They were built by hand during the Kamakura period. These walls connect us to the past. They let us feel the connection to Myōe Shonin. In autumn, the leaves create beautiful contrasts against the green trees.
Kousanji Temple provides a glimpse into mountain asceticism. Its treasures tell stories of faith, art, and history. Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere. Absorb the cultural heritage that surrounds you.