Kozennji

Kozennji is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple opened in the early Heian period by the high priest Honsei. Nestled at the foot of the Central Alps in Komagatake, this temple is also called "the Koya of Shinshu" and has flourished as a sacred site of mountain worship. What is particularly famous is the legend of "the sacred dog of Kozennji." Long ago, a dog kept at this temple would nightly light the lanterns and guide pilgrims—a mysterious tale that has been passed down. Wrapped in beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and magnificent autumn foliage, this premier temple of Shinshu is visited by countless pilgrims throughout the four seasons.