Location
Learn more about the different buildings
Kongoji Zen Temple is situated in Minami-Ashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture, approximately 2.5 hours from Tokyo. The temple grounds feature several small gardens, ancient trees, and more. Within its compact precincts, you'll find various small temple halls that have been revered by locals for centuries.
１. Entrance Gate
The unique Temple gate at the entrance of Kongoji Temple has a simple form. The word written on the board in front “Semui” means “All your heart's anxiety and confusion will be removed” when walking through the gate.
２. Hall of Akibasan
This small hall enshrines "Akiba Sanshakubo" a Buddhist Fire God. The demon like figure of Akibasan, is said to protect people against fire. The creature has wings and standing on a white fox with a sword in his hands. In 1735, the 10th monk of Kongoji Temple received the spirituality from the holy mountain of Akiha in Shizuoka and placed it into this small hall, which doors are only opened once a year.
3. Hall of Kannon
In 1734, a small temple hall was built by the 10th monk of Kongoji Temple in order to protect the people from natural disasters. A statue of Kannon , the goddess of mercy, were enshrined inside the hall. In order to improve the spiritual power of the statue the monk started his pilgrimage route to Japan`s famous 100 Kannon (33 places in Kansai region, 34 places in Saitama Regione, 33 places in Kanto region). The monk finally ended his pilgrimage visiting the sacred place of Yudonosan and returning to Kongoji Temple the soil to bury it under the statue.
4. Temple bell
In order to celebrate the 580 Anniversary of Kongoji Temple, the 17th head-monk of Kongoji Temple, Togen Buryo, plannend on building a Buddhist Temple bell. To research he visited different temples all over Japan to find the perfect design for the building surrounding the bell. The construction of the bell was completed in 1972.
5. Hall of Mizuko Jizo
Mizuko, literally means "water child", is a Japanese term for a stillborn baby. This place was build for families who lost their child. The Jizo statue inside the tiny hall is believed to protect children in the after world.
6. Main Hall
The main hall of Kongoji Temple was completely destroyed by the Great Odawara Earthquake in 1853. In 1867 it was rebuilt by the image of Zokutoan Temple at Engakuji in Kamakura.
Togen's Garden
Created by the 17th monk of Kongoji Zen Temple, Togen Buryo. His passion for stones can be encountered by admiring the beautiful and calm scenery of the Zen Garden.
Warabe Jizo
Made by the famous sculptorer, Takashi Sugimura. The child like Jizo sculptures can be found throughout the temple ground.
Peony Garden
The Poeny Garden is an ongoing project started by the 17th monk of Kongoji Zen Temple with the goal to reach 100 peony flowers.
Ginko Tree
About 100 year old Ginko tree can be found on the left side near the waterwell.
Cherry Blossom Tree
The Japanese cherry blossom tree in the backyard of the temple blooms every year during the first days of April.
White Magnolia Tree
The white magnolia tree of Kongoji Zen Temple used to be documented as protected by the city.