I love accidental discoveries, and I discovered Koso-ji while I was on a cycling excursion to another temple. At first I was greatly struck by the unusual guardian statues, but as soon as I passed through the gate, the enchantment of this pretty temple garden gripped me. Although it is not large it has been skillfully designed to include a number of different areas. Every time I turned a corner there was a new surprise. I especially enjoyed watching the small but deep koi pond, which bubbled with a strong underwater 'fountain'. Large koi swirled around the edges and made powerful dashes through the current.
- 1 min read
Kozo-ji
Exceptional garden at an off-the-beaten-track temple
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Explore nearby
-
Jinenjo-an
Featured
Join the discussion
It wasn't marked as a temple on my map, Peter, and I only found it because I was biking past.
Peter Sidell
10 years ago
So I checked on the map to see where it is, and was surprised to find it's quite near where I work! I should explore my own area more...
It really is a lovely garden, James. I hope you get a chance to visit it.
James Forest
10 years ago
It looks so beautiful there!
4 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Kumamoto Says Sayonara to IC Cards
Kumamoto -
2
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
3
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
4
Kanazawa Makes Nat Geo's Best of the World 2025 List
Ishikawa -
5
Naha is One of Booking.com's 2025 Trending Destinations
Okinawa -
6
Naha City Museum of History
Okinawa -
7
Nikko Featured on Fodor's Go List 2025
Tochigi -
8
"Forest Architecture" Taking Shape at Expo 2025 Osaka
Osaka -
9
Sleep Travel in Japan
Planning -
10
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto