Temples & religious sites
Kōzan-ji Temple
What it is
Kōzan-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple set among cedar and maple forest in the hills northwest of central Kyoto, well outside the usual temple circuit. It was founded by the monk Myōe in the early 13th century and holds one of Kyoto's notable collections of temple art, most famously the Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga scrolls, playful ink drawings of frolicking animals often cited as an early ancestor of Japanese manga (the originals are usually kept in museum storage, with facsimiles displayed on site). The temple grounds also contain what is considered one of Japan's oldest tea plantations, planted from seeds Myōe received from the monk Eisai.
Getting there
Kōzan-ji sits in the Toganoo area, further into the mountains than Ninna-ji or Ryōan-ji. From central Kyoto, the trip is generally by bus and takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and connections; there is no direct train access. Because of the distance, most visitors combine it with a taxi or private transport for at least part of the journey.
Time to allow
The temple grounds are modest in size. Plan for roughly 45 minutes to an hour to walk the main precinct and see the halls and gardens.
When to go
The forested approach and gardens are especially known for autumn colour, which draws heavier crowds and traffic congestion on the mountain roads in November. Visiting on a weekday, or outside peak autumn weeks, makes for a quieter walk.
Combine it with
Kōzan-ji is close to Ninna-ji Temple (4.6km) and Ryōan-ji Temple (4.6km), both reasonable to pair on the same day if you're already heading into this part of the city. Kinkaku-ji Temple (5.1km) and Tenryū-ji Temple (4.9km) are also within range and often included on a broader northwest Kyoto temple itinerary.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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