One of the seventeen World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto: Kōzan-ji Temple

Attraction Introduction: Kōzan-ji Temple was originally built in 774 and rebuilt by Myōe Shōnin in 1206. The temple's name is derived from the Avatamsaka Sutra, meaning 'the mountain ridge illuminated before sunrise.' The temple is located on Mount Toganoo. Kōzan-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's World Cultural Heritage sites, featuring the Sekisui-in where Myōe Shōnin resided, Japan's first manga 'Chōjū-giga,' and Japan's oldest tea garden, among other national treasures. 🌈 Attraction Highlights: ① National Treasure Sekisui-in: A residential building in the early Kamakura period's shinden-zukuri style. Passing through the tea room and wooden corridor, the first sight is a wooden sculpture of Sudhana. Turning past the side room, you will see the plaque 'The Temple Illuminated Before Sunrise' given by Emperor Toba hanging at the entrance. The main room displays a replica of 'Chōjū-giga,' a statue of Myōe Shōnin in meditation, and a wooden dog sculpture by the master sculptor Unkei. ② Tea Garden: To the left of Sekisui-in is Japan's oldest tea garden. It is said that Zen master Eisai, who studied Zen Buddhism in the Song Dynasty twice, brought back tea seeds to Japan and gave three of them to Myōe Shōnin. After successful cultivation, the tea seedlings were passed down to Uji, making Kōzan-ji Temple famous as the birthplace of tea. ③ 'Chōjū-giga': Divided into four scrolls (A, B, C, D), the most famous is scroll A. The entire scroll vividly depicts animals like rabbits, monkeys, and frogs in anthropomorphic styles. The temple displays high-fidelity replicas of the same size as the originals. 🎟️ Ticket Information: ① Entry to Kōzan-ji Temple is free (500 yen per person during the autumn leaves season), and visiting Sekisui-in requires 1000 yen per person. ② Special visits require a reservation, costing 5000 yen per person (led by a monk to visit normally closed areas like Iko-an and the tea garden, with a souvenir given at the end). 🕐️ Opening Hours: 08:30-17:00 Transportation Guide: ① Take the JR West JR Bus Takao Keihoku Line from the platform at Kyoto Station to the stop, then walk for 5 minutes. ② Take Kyoto City Bus No. 8 from the stop at the Kyoto City Subway Shijo Station to the stop, then walk for 5 minutes. 💗 Other Tips: ① Kōzan-ji Temple is not very large, so visiting only this site might be slightly disappointing. However, you can follow the mountain path signs to continue visiting Saihō-ji Temple and Jingo-ji Temple. These three sites are relatively far from the city center, so plan a full day for a leisurely walk. ② The three temples are located on Mount Takao, and the mountain paths are more challenging than city attractions. You will need to walk and climb stairs, especially at Jingo-ji Temple, where the stairs are numerous, steep, and long. Consider your physical condition when visiting. ③ The three temples are situated at higher elevations, making them the first to see autumn leaves each year. The scenery is stunning, making them ideal for visiting during the autumn leaves season, collectively known as 'Sanbi.'