Immersed in Picturesque Snow World at Kyoto’s “Kozan-ji Temple” Full of Japanese Treasures

“Toganoo-san, Kozan-ji Temple”(栂尾山 高山寺) is located in mountains and is about an hour by bus from the urban area of Kyoto city. It has national treasures and important cultural properties and is also registered as a world cultural heritage. In addition, this temple shows different expressions with each season such as new green leaves, autumn leaves and snow scenery, so here is always crowded with many people for viewing the beautiful scenery. You will enjoy this temple from the cultural property to the superb view. It’s a must-see temple even if it’s a little far from the center of Kyoto city.

“Toganoo-san, Kozan-ji Temple” was built in the Nara Period. (710-794) It was designated as a historic site in 1966 and is registered as a world cultural heritage. It’s renowned for its numerous national treasures and important cultural properties. Among them, the famous thing is picture scrolls of ink painting ‘Choju-jinbutsu-giga’ (鳥獣人物戯画, scrolls of frolicking animals and humans). Human is also depicted in the scrolls, but dynamic flogs and rabbits that were personified are well known. Although the period and author drawn are unknown in detail, you should be amazed by the luxuriance of imagination.

This temple is located in the northwest of Kyoto and is rich in nature. Therefore, many tourists visit to see the superb view of each season. In particular, beautiful fresh green with fresh young leaves and autumn leaves which are dyed red and yellow in the whole area are popular seasons. The place where you can enjoy such magnificent views is a national treasure, ”Sekisui-in’ (石水院). There is nothing to shut off the scenery, so it’s just like a postcard. In February, trees are covered by snow and turn into a white world. This place is in silence and you can enjoy a special atmosphere that can only be experienced in this season. There are many attractive highlights, so please stop by when you visit Kyoto.