Kozenin Temple

Located a 15-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station, this historic Zen temple, founded in 1370, stands quietly along the river, a little distance from the bustling station area. In 1973, the old wooden temple complex was unfortunately completely destroyed by fire, but since then, a modern, fire-resistant main hall and living quarters have been rebuilt. Kozenin Temple is associated with Zenkai, the monk who served as the model for the famous novel "Onshū no Kanata" by novelist Kan Kikuchi. This place is known as the site where a monk who had once committed a transgression took monastic vows, shaved his head, and repented of his past sins. Later, while traveling around the country, the monk learned of the difficult terrain of Yabakei and fulfilled his grand ambition of hand-digging the "Aono-Domon Tunnel" (Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture) over a period of 30 years, starting in 1735. Within the lush grounds, you'll find expressive statues of the 16 Arhat Buddhas and stone Buddhas, and beyond the temple gate, you can enjoy a magnificent Mt. Yufu. This is a charming spot where you can visit and pay your respects at a leisurely pace while reflecting on the history behind the masterpiece.