A Temple with Legends of Prince Shotoku and Kobo Daishi
According to temple tradition, the origins of Kozanji date back to the reign of Empress Suiko in the Asuka period. A wealthy local leader known as the “Lord of Muro” is said to have traveled to Asuka, where he was deeply impressed by Prince Shotoku. After returning home, he reportedly used his own wealth to establish a temple.
Several centuries later, in 816 during the early Heian period, Kobo Daishi Kukai is said to have visited the area while traveling on a pilgrimage through Kumano. According to tradition, Kukai practiced Esoteric Buddhist rituals here and was asked by local residents to remain in the area. He is said to have carved an image of himself, which was then enshrined at the temple.
A nearby place known as Mikagebuchi is associated with another local tradition. According to the story, Kukai looked at his own reflection in the water there while carving his image.
These legends helped establish the temple’s long-standing connection with Kobo Daishi. For generations, local people have affectionately referred to Kozanji as “Kobo-san” and continued to visit it as an important place of worship.
A History That Survived the Wars
During the Sengoku period, in 1585, the temple buildings of Kozanji were destroyed by fire during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign to subjugate Kii Province. According to tradition, however, the temple’s principal Buddhist image, images of Kobo Daishi and Prince Shotoku, and other important religious objects had been moved into a rock shelter and escaped destruction.
The temple was later restored by Kujo Shonin, a monk from Mount Koya. Since then, the successive abbots of Kozanji have continued to preserve its traditions and history.
During the Edo period, the temple was known as Kozanji under a different name, Kozanji Temple, before eventually taking its present name. Although its name and appearance changed over the centuries, the temple continued to serve as an important center of spiritual life in Tanabe.
Beautiful Views over Tanabe
One of the most appealing features of Kozanji is its elevated location. The temple overlooks the Aizu River, and visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tanabe’s urban area and Tanabe Bay from the grounds.
In spring, cherry trees burst into bloom, transforming the temple grounds into a colorful and festive setting. The temple’s Spring Grand Festival, held annually on April 20 and 21, attracts many worshippers and visitors and has become one of Tanabe’s traditional signs of spring.
Summer brings lush green foliage, while autumn covers the grounds in brilliant colors. In winter, the clear air and quiet surroundings create an especially peaceful atmosphere. Each season offers a different way to appreciate this historic temple.
Historic Architecture and Highlights
The Main Hall
The present Main Hall was constructed in 1968 as a reinforced-concrete building. Its architect was Minoru Ooka, an architectural historian known for his work and guidance in the preservation and restoration of historic architecture.
Although it is a modern structure, the building incorporates elegant traditional elements, including gracefully curved rooflines and architectural details inspired by ancient Japanese temples. These features allow the hall to blend harmoniously with the historic atmosphere of the temple grounds.
A dojo associated with Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, is also located in the basement of the Main Hall, adding another important connection between Kozanji and Japanese cultural history.
The Tahoto Pagoda: Jogaku-kaku
The Tahoto pagoda, built in 1816, is one of Kozanji’s most beautiful structures. Because it enshrines Prince Shotoku, also known as Prince Umayado or Jogu Taishi, it is called Jogaku-kaku.
The vermilion-colored pagoda rises elegantly above the temple grounds. Its traditional design and elevated position make it one of the most recognizable features of Kozanji.
Daishido, Yakushido, and Kannondo Halls
Several other religious buildings can be found throughout the grounds, including Daishido Hall, also known as Henjo Kongo-den, which enshrines Kobo Daishi. There are also Yakushido, Kannondo, Fudodo, a bell tower, and other structures.
Taking time to walk through the grounds and visit these buildings allows visitors to appreciate the temple’s long history while enjoying its quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
The Graves of Kumagusu Minakata and Morihei Ueshiba
Kozanji is also known for being the resting place of two notable figures connected with Tanabe.
One of the graves belongs to Kumagusu Minakata, a pioneering Japanese naturalist and biologist often described as a giant of Japanese natural history. He became internationally known for his research into slime molds and also devoted himself to the preservation of Japan’s natural environment.
Minakata conducted extensive botanical research around Kozanji and developed a deep affection for the area. His grave can be found in the cemetery on the temple grounds.
The temple is also home to the grave of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Revered by martial artists around the world, Ueshiba’s connection with Tanabe makes Kozanji a meaningful destination for visitors interested in Japanese martial arts and culture.
The peaceful cemetery overlooking the sea provides a quiet place to reflect on the lives of these influential figures and their contributions to the history and culture of Tanabe.
Kozanji Shell Mound: A Jomon Period Archaeological Site
The temple grounds are also home to the Kozanji Shell Mound, a nationally designated historic site. Discovered in 1938, it dates to the early Jomon period and is particularly significant because shell mounds made up of marine shells are relatively uncommon in the Kinki region.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered a wide range of artifacts, including cord-marked pottery, pottery with impressed patterns, deer bones, and wild boar tusks. These discoveries provide valuable clues about the daily lives and environment of people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.
The combination of an active religious site and an important archaeological site is one of the distinctive characteristics of Kozanji.
A Temple Connected with Rosetsu Nagasawa
Kozanji also has a connection with Rosetsu Nagasawa, an innovative painter of the Edo period known for his imaginative and unconventional style.
Records indicate that Rosetsu stayed at the temple, and works associated with his time there have been preserved. Among them are paintings such as “Hanshan and Shide”, which are currently entrusted to the Wakayama Prefectural Museum for preservation and exhibition.
Rosetsu’s bold and expressive brushwork continues to attract art lovers. When works connected with Kozanji are displayed in special exhibitions, they provide an opportunity to appreciate the temple’s important relationship with Japanese art and cultural history.
Annual Festivals and Events
Spring Grand Festival
The Spring Grand Festival, held every year on April 20 and 21, is the temple’s largest annual event. With cherry blossoms in full bloom, the grounds become lively with worshippers and visitors enjoying the spring atmosphere.
Summer Kobo-san Festival
On July 15, the temple holds the Summer Kobo-san Festival. Local residents gather to honor Kobo Daishi and renew their connection with the temple’s long-standing religious traditions.
A Historic Temple to Visit Alongside Kumano
Kozanji is an excellent place to include in a journey through the Kumano region, especially for travelers exploring the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine.
The temple brings together history, nature, art, archaeology, and religious traditions in a single peaceful setting. Its elevated location also provides beautiful views, making it an appealing stop for travelers who want to experience a quieter side of Tanabe.
Kozanji is conveniently accessible from central Tanabe. It is approximately a 25-minute walk from JR Kii-Tanabe Station or about 5 minutes by car from the Nanki-Tanabe Interchange.
Take a leisurely walk through the grounds, admire the historic architecture, enjoy the seasonal scenery, and reflect on the stories of the people who have shaped this remarkable place. Kozanji offers a peaceful introduction to the deep history and spiritual culture of Tanabe and the wider Kumano region.