Kōzanji Temple
temple
Kōzanji Temple
功山寺
Overview
This Sōto Zen temple is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage and for its Butsuden Hall, a National Treasure.
Kozanji Temple in Shimonoseki was founded in 1327 and its Butsuden Hall, dated to 1320, is the oldest Karayō-style structure in Japan with a recorded construction date, making it a National Treasure. The temple became a turning point in Japanese history on January 12, 1865, when revolutionary samurai Takasugi Shinsaku rallied a force of just 80 men here against the pro-shogunate faction within the Choshu domain. His Kōzanji Uprising helped purge those loyalists, a step that led directly to the Meiji Restoration. A bronze statue of Takasugi on horseback still stands on the grounds.
Local tips
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 功山寺
- Nearest station
- Shimonoseki Station (20 min bus)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
Want to visit Kōzanji Temple?
Build a trip to Shimonoseki