Kozoji Temple is a friendly and profound place where you can experience history and legends, beautiful architecture, seasonal and traditional events, and numerous beautifully sculpted Buddhist statues up close. Everyone from children to young people and the elderly can enjoy a meaningful time here.
Many people also visit to pray for blessings in love and having children.
Recommended ways to visit Kozoji Temple
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This is a great place, Takazoji.
『unique architectural beauty』
The main hall is built on raised floors (2.45m high) with 88 alcove pillars in a multi-story irimoya style, a rare structure even in Japan.
『Numerous Buddhist statues of splendid beauty』
You can see beautifully crafted Buddhist statues up close. Everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy the sculptures and other art pieces.
『Experience history and cultural assets』
Founded in the Asuka period, the main hall was rebuilt in 1526 during the Muromachi period. Designated a cultural property by Kisarazu City. Famous for the legend of Fujiwara Kamatari and the Kamatari cherry blossoms.
『Beautifully preserved giant Buddha statue』
This 3.6m statue of Kannon Bodhisattva is one of the largest in Japan. It is made from a single huge piece of wood, a valuable large tree that has withstood the wind and snow for over 1,000 years. Its beautiful state of preservation is well-known among those involved.
『A hidden Buddha statue that can be seen any time, only once every 33 years』
The principal image of Kozoji Temple is the statue of Kannon Bodhisattva (Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva), said to have been created by Gyoki.
As a secret Buddha, it is not normally open to the public. It is only open to the public once every 33 years, but you can enjoy the unique experience of viewing it from under the floor at all times.
『Various benefits』
The principal image of the temple, Kannon Bodhisattva, grants blessings for marriage and child-bearing. Within the temple grounds, you can receive various blessings from deities such as Benzaiten, Daikokuten, Hotei, Bodhidharma, and the god of fortune.
『Spectacular views that change with the seasons』
Cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes adorn the temple grounds throughout the seasons, soothing the soul with a different look every time you visit.
Buddhist Statues and Art Works at Kozoji Temple
Numerous Buddhist statues surround the principal image of the temple, the Kannon Bodhisattva. Each one is beautifully sculpted, making this a hidden gem for lovers of Buddhist art.
The highlight is the Hyakutai Kannon, a spectacular display of around 100 Buddhist statues made in the late Edo period that are modeled after the Kannon statues at the three Kannon pilgrimage sites of the Thirty-three Western Provinces, the Thirty-three Bando Temples, and the Thirty-four Chichibu Temples.
You can also see works such as “Acala,” “Shaka Nyorai,” “Manjusri Bodhisattva Riding a Lion,” “Samantabhadra Bodhisattva,” “Half-Lotus Pensive Statue,” “Yakushi Nyorai,” “Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva,” “Seishi Bodhisattva,” and “Kokuzo Bodhisattva” up close. Of these, I was drawn to the beauty of the form of “Kichijoten.”
There are many other statues, including those of Fujiwara Kamatari, Benzaiten, Ebisu, Daikokuten, Hotei, Bodhidharma, Shugyo Daishi, the White Snake, Sendai Shiro, and many more animal statues such as elephants, dragons, raccoon dogs, and turtles.
The Kannon Pure Land Pilgrimage at Kozoji Temple is an experience in the silence and dim light, where the form of prayer (Buddha statues) that has been passed down for over a thousand years gently embraces the hearts of those of us living in the present.
Kozoji temple information
1245 Yana, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, 292-0812
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nq875UQQrv51sa287
[Goshuin] Available
[Access]
Train: Kisarazu Station → 25-minute Nitto Bus, Kusashiki Takakura Line, Platform 5, get off at “Takakura Kannonshita” → Approximately 10-minute walk
Bus: Tokyo Station, Yaesu Central Exit, Expressway Bus, Kamogawa-bound, get off at “Kazusa Arc” → Approximately 15-minute walk
Car: Approximately 10 minutes from Kisarazu Kita Interchange
[Parking] Available (3 oversized vehicles / 300 standard-sized vehicles)
[Opening Hours] 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Kannon Pure Land Pilgrimage 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
[Kannon Pure Land Pilgrimage] 300 yen for adults / 100 yen for elementary school students and younger
[Advance Visit Notification] Not required
[Phone] 0438-52-2675