Hosenji Temple

Hosenji Temple is one of the Kofu Gozan or Five Great Zen Temples of Kofu, chosen by the warlord Takeda Shingen, who ruled Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi) from 1540 to 1573. The temples were entrusted with the task of praying for the protection and safety of the province. Hosenji was built by an earlier leader of the Takeda clan, Takeda Nobutake. It is the family temple of Takeda Nobutake and Takeda Katsuyori; the latter was the fourth son of Takeda Shingen and the last head of the Takeda clan.

After defeat in battle, Katsuyori killed himself at Mount Tenmokuzan in 1582. It is said that when his funeral was held at Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto, the chief priest of Hosenji received part of Katsuyori's remains and buried them in the Hosenji grounds. Today, Nobutake’s grave and Katsuyori’s grave stand side by side.

Despite its historical significance, Hosenji is quiet and secluded. The temple’s bell tower also serves as its main gate (shoromon). Stone lanterns line the path to the main hall (hondo), which has a sweeping hip-and-gable roof. Behind the main hall is the temple garden.

The rustling trees on the temple grounds and the calm surroundings create a sense of being alone, making Hosenji a particularly spiritual place and an ideal spot for quiet contemplation.