Kōzan-ji

Western Honshū


This National Treasure is the family burial temple of the local Mōri lords, and has a Zen-style hall dating from 1327, making it the oldest example of Zen Buddhist architecture in Japan. The visible burial site itself is an overgrown set of chesspiece-like headstones.

The narrow streets in the area near the temple feature old walls and gates.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Honshū attractions

1. Chōfu Mōri Residence

0.13 MILES

This well-preserved 1903 home and garden is the perfect setting in which to enjoy some matcha (powdered green tea; ¥400).

2. Shimonoseki City Art Museum

0.6 MILES

The Shimonoseki City Art Museum, on the main road at the edge of the old Chōfu area, houses an eclectic collection of local art, which is rotated based on…

3. Hino-yama-kōen

2.17 MILES

About 5km northeast of Shimonoseki Station, this park has superb views over the Kanmon Straits from the top of 268m-high Hino-yama. To get to the lookout…

4. Dan-no-ura Memorial

2.58 MILES

This memorial marks the spot where the decisive clash between the Minamoto and Taira clans took place in 1185. Here, Taira no Tokiko plunged into the sea…

5. Kanmon Tunnel

2.6 MILES

This is where you come to get that picture of yourself with one foot in Honshū and the other in Kyūshū. For the 780m submarine walk to Kyūshū, take the…

6. Akama-jingū

3.18 MILES

This shrine is dedicated to the seven-year-old emperor Antoku, who died in 1185 in the battle of Dan-no-ura. On the left is a statue of Mimi-nashi Hōichi …

7. Karato Ichiba

3.38 MILES

A highlight of a trip to Shimonoseki is an early-morning visit to the Karato fish market. It's a great opportunity to try sashimi for breakfast or lunch,…

8. Idemitsu Museum of Art, Moji

3.4 MILES

Reopened in 2016 after an extensive renovation, this beautiful, modern museum sits a stone's throw from Mojikō harbour and holds about five exhibitions…

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