Kousanji Museum (Kousanji)

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Kousanji Museum (Kousanji)

A “Temple for Mothers” that Expresses Gratitude for All Mothers Around the World, with Must-See Buildings

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This temple is part of the Jodo Shinshu Hongan-ji school of Buddhism, built by an Osakan businessman named Kozo Kousanji, who created it as a family temple for his mother. It is known as a “Temple for Mothers,” to express gratitude to all the mothers in the world. The area surrounding the temple grounds is open to the public as a museum.

The temple’s structures are modeled after famous buildings from across Japan, built with an emphasis on functionality and practicality, and 15 of these buildings have been designated as nationally registered Tangible Cultural Properties. One of the most prominent buildings is “Koyo-mon Gate,” which is modeled after Nikko’s Yomei-mon Gate and is also known as the West Nikko.

Furthermore, there are various collections on display, themed after things like “Buddhist art,” “tea ceremony art,” and “modern art,” that include sculptures and paintings considered Important Cultural Properties.

Be sure not to miss out on the 5,000㎡ marble garden “The Hill of Hope” located within the grounds. Created by world-famous sculptor Itto Kuetani, the marble used in the garden was mined from Carrara, Italy. Monuments of various sizes stand lined up, making a mysterious, pure white sight.

You can also enjoy the sights of each season here, from cherry blossoms and azaleas during the spring to colorful leaves in the fall.

Highlights

  • Structures modeled after famous buildings from across Japan are established here.
  • A popular temple, also known as the “Temple for Mothers” and “West Nikko.”
  • Around 200 cherry trees are in full bloom during the spring, covering the grounds in a beautiful splash of color.
  • A café and shop are also available.
  • The beautiful garden “The Hill of Hope” is made with pure white marble, a must-see.

Photos

  • The main hall, a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property

    The main hall, a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property

  • Koyo-mon Gate

    Koyo-mon Gate

  • Five-storied pagoda

    Five-storied pagoda

  • The Hill of Hope, Tower of Light

    The Hill of Hope, Tower of Light

  • Choseikaku Villa

    Choseikaku Villa

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Yes (English and Chinese)

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

It is possible on the same day.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes. (Within the grounds and at Café Cuore only)

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?

A

No goshuin stamps are available. The temple at Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha does not typically offer goshuin stamps.

Reviews

1
  • SDC0207

    有別於日本一般傳統的寺廟,寺廟本身加了很多設計元素在裡面,大理石庭園也很特別和平常時看到的日式傳統庭園又不一樣味道

Details

Name in Japanese
耕三寺博物館(耕三寺)
Postal Code
722-2411
Address
553-2 Setodachosetoda, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
Telephone
0845-27-0800
Business Hours
9:00am-5:00pm
*Choseikaku Villa: 10:00am-4:00pm
Closed
None
Admission
Adults 1,400 yen, university students 1,000 yen, high school students 1,000 yen, junior high school students or younger free
※Separate admission fee for Choseikaku Villa: 200 yen for both adults and children
Access
1. About 1 hour by bus from JR Onomichi Station, getting off at the Kosanji Temple stop
2. About a 13-minute drive from the Ikuchijima Minami Interchange on the Shimanami Kaido
3. About a 10-minute walk from Setoda Port
Official Website
Official Website (English)