Japan Trip: Kosanji Temple, Onomichi, Japan Hiroshima016 Moochan
Kosanji Temple (耕三寺) located on Ikuchijima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, has the tranquil qualities found in a Buddhist temple while displaying both modern and traditional Buddhist artistic elements.
Founded by Koso Kosanji, in gratitude to his mother, the construction of the temple took over 30 years. Within the temple grounds, visitors can appreciate the replicas of famous Japanese structures such as Nikko Toshogu’s Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin’s Phoenix Hall. In addition, within the temple is a long cave containing images portraying Buddhist hell.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the Miraishin no Oka or the Hill of Hope also located within the temple grounds. Though not having any religious function, Miraishin no Oka was designed and created by an internationally renowned sculptor using Italian white marble and granite.
Kosanji Temple houses other artwork including the works of Buddhist sculptors, painting, modern art and objects relating to Japanese tea ceremony within its main grounds.
Facility Information
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 1200 yen
Access Information:
By bicycle
30 kilometers from Onomichi, the temple is located along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route
By ferry
From Onomichi Ekimae Port (located in front of Onomichi Train Station), take the ferry to Sawa Port or Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island. The journey will take 40 minutes with a cost of 820 yen one way per person and 160 yen for a bicycle. There are 9 ferries per day. From either port, the temple is 15 minutes by foot.
By bus
From Onomichi Station board the local bus bound for Setoda Port. On the way to the port, the bus will stop in front of the temple. The journey will take 1 hour with a cost of 1010 yen one way. There is one bus every two hours.