🗺️ Kōsan-ji Museum (Kōsan-ji)

Kōsan-ji Museum (Kōsan-ji) is a Jōdo Shinshū Hongan-ji sect temple, built by the Osaka businessman Mr. Kōsan-ji Kōsan as a family temple in memory of his mother. This "Mother Temple," which aims to express gratitude to all mothers in the world, is beloved by the public. Today, the entire temple is open to the public as a museum. The halls and pagodas are modeled after famous buildings from various parts of Japan, constructed with a focus on functionality and practicality, with 15 locations registered as tangible cultural properties by the Japanese government. The most notable feature is the "Kōyōmon," also known as the "West Nikko," which is modeled after the Yōmeimon gate of the Nikkō Tōshō-gū. The temple showcases a variety of art collections gathered by Kōsan-ji Kōsan, including sculptures and paintings centered around "Buddhist art," "tea ceremony art," and "modern art." Some of the exhibits are important cultural heritage items of Japan. The marble garden "Miraishin no Oka," covering an area of 5,000 square meters, is also a must-see highlight within the temple. Designed by the world-renowned sculptor Ikutō Kōgaku, it is made from Carrara marble from Italy. The varying sizes of marble monuments transform the entire garden into a pure white world, creating a space filled with mystery. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery, including cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, and autumn leaves in fall.

The temple features many buildings constructed based on famous architecture from various regions of Japan. It is also known as the "Mother Temple" and "Nikko of the West," and is beloved by the public. In spring, around 200 cherry blossom trees bloom, adorning the temple beautifully. There is also a café and shops on-site. The stunning garden "Future Heart Hill," built with white marble, is a highlight that should not be missed.