
Koryuzan Sogen-ji Temple
Koryuzan Sogen-ji Temple
Takayama, Japan
Last updated: February 11, 2026
Opening Hours
Visitor Reviews
**★★★★★ Leo — 2 months ago
Koryuzan Sogen-ji is a stately Zen temple built as the family temple and cemetery of the Kanamori lords who once ruled Takayama, and it still feels very connected to that castle-era history. The main gate and bell tower sit high above town with big views and a calm, open courtyard where you can linger without any crowds. There’s a helpful English sign explaining the background, so it’s easy to appreciate the story behind the place while you wander around the grounds.
**★★★★★ kevin costello — 2 months ago
Another spectacular spot on this path of temples and shrines that as individuals are just nice but as a group amazing. No people around in November and fall colors really added to the experience. Path through woods looked great but we decided to pass when we got to the bear warning signs, maybe if we had some bells.
**★★★★★ 御名方建 — 3 months ago
I visited in mid-October 2025. After praying at the main hall, I also paid my respects at the Kanamori family memorial tower and the grave of Ohara Hikoshiro on the mountain behind the temple. There was a sign on the approach to the mountain warning of bears, so I braced myself a bit and made it safely. I also received a temple seal, for which I am very grateful.
**★★★★★ Christian — 4 months ago
A beautiful little temple with traditional bells and a good view
**★★★★☆ Jeff Clay — 9 years ago
Again, another very nice temple in the Takayama hills. These all should really be done in a nice long, slow day.
















