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Usitour
Church & Religious Site

Koshoji Temple

📍 27-1 Ujiyamada, Uji, Kyoto
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3.9/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
About 40-50 minutes
Address
27-1 Ujiyamada, Uji, Kyoto
Coordinates
34.8895, 135.8134

Introduction

Kosho-ji is a Soto Zen temple in Uji's Ujiyamada, formally Kosho-horin-zenji on Mount Buttoku. Founded by Dogen Zenji in 1233 at Fukakusa in Kyoto as Japan's first Soto dojo, it was rebuilt in Uji in 1648 by the jodai lord Naoi Naomasa using Fukakusa Castle's timbers, and ranks among Japan's five great Soto Zen forests. Its Koto-zaka approach is famed for spring green and autumn maples.

✨ Highlights

1
Dogen's founding
Founded in 1233 at Fukakusa, Japan's first Soto dojo.
2
Koto-zaka approach
A maple-lined slope whose stream sounds like a koto.
3
Ryu-mon gate
A grand gate opening onto the seven-hall layout.
4
Five Soto forests
Ranked with Eihei-ji and Soji-ji among the five great Zen temples.
5
Zazen sessions
By reservation for JPY 1,000.
6
Genji connection
The Narai Kannon and other Genji Monogatari sites.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：27-1 Ujiyamada, Uji, Kyoto
→Time needed：about 40-50 minutes
→Highlights：Koto-zaka, Ryu-mon gate, seven halls
→Nearby：Byodo-in, Ujigami Shrine, Uji Bridge
→Opening Hours：Grounds open about 5:00-17:00; hall visits 9:00-16:30, JPY 500

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Grounds free; hall JPY 500; zazen JPY 1,000 by reservation

Transportation

Driving/Parking

About 10 min from Uji-nishi IC; 30 parking spaces

Note

Keihan Uji Station about 13 min on foot; JR Uji Station about 18 min

💡 Tips

• Keihan Uji Station is about 13 min on foot; cross Uji Bridge and follow the river.
• JR Uji Station is about 18 minutes away as well.
• Hall visits 9:00-16:30 for JPY 500; grounds are freely open.
• Closed January 1-3; access may be limited during services.
• The stone steps are slippery in autumn; non-slip shoes advised.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Koshoji Temple?

Grounds open about 5:00-17:00; hall visits 9:00-16:30, JPY 500

How much is the admission for Koshoji Temple?

Adult: Free; Grounds free; hall JPY 500; zazen JPY 1,000 by reservation

Any practical tips for visiting Koshoji Temple?

Keihan Uji Station is about 13 min on foot; cross Uji Bridge and follow the river. JR Uji Station is about 18 minutes away as well.

How long should I spend at Koshoji Temple?

A typical visit takes About 40-50 minutes.

How do I get to Koshoji Temple?

Driving/Parking: About 10 min from Uji-nishi IC; 30 parking spaces