Kōzen-ji Temple - A Famous Garden in Yamagata, A Great Spring Destination.

Kōzen-ji Temple is a renowned ancient Zen temple located in Yamagata, Japan, known as one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Yamagata'. What impresses visitors the most is the delightful karesansui Zen garden within the temple grounds. The garden is adorned with patches of fine white gravel and prominent rock formations, creating a serene and majestic karesansui landscape that fully embodies the transcendent beauty of Zen. Complemented by lush greenery, the dry landscape and garden scenery enhance each other, forming an exquisite natural Zen painting. Beyond the meticulously crafted garden, other landscapes within the temple are equally breathtaking, such as the gallery bridges over flowing water, and the verdant mossy hills, all reflecting the Zen philosophy of 'understanding beyond the garden'. It is no wonder that Kōzen-ji Temple is recognized as one of Japan's three great gardens, attracting countless visitors to admire its unparalleled elegance.