Kosenji Temple
A historic Buddhist temple guarding Kusatsu Onsen, offering stunning views of steaming hot springs and a picturesque pagoda.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Kosenji Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Buddhist temple guarding Kusatsu Onsen, offering stunning views of steaming hot springs and a picturesque pagoda.
"A serene spot with breathtaking views of the Yubatake and a beautiful pagoda, perfect for reflection."
🚶♀️ Easy Access Options
Opt for the shorter rear staircase or the road route if the main steps are too challenging. Parking is available at the top.
📸 Nighttime Photography
The temple is well-lit at night, offering excellent opportunities for stunning photos of the pagoda and town.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 572 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Five-Story Pagoda
Atop the temple grounds
A striking five-story pagoda offering panoramic views of Kusatsu town and the steaming hot springs.
Yubatake Views
From the temple grounds
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the iconic Yubatake (hot water field) and the steaming hot springs below.
Temple Grounds & Staircase
Temple entrance and grounds
Explore the ancient temple complex and ascend the iconic stone steps for a rewarding experience.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Kosenji Temple
Accessing Kosenji Temple
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access Options
Opt for the shorter rear staircase or the road route if the main steps are too challenging. Parking is available at the top.
📸 Nighttime Photography
The temple is well-lit at night, offering excellent opportunities for stunning photos of the pagoda and town.
♨️ Adjacent to Hot Springs
Kosenji Temple is right next to Kusatsu's famous hot spring town, perfect for a combined visit.
🙏 Serene Reflection
Find a peaceful spot away from the main foot traffic for quiet contemplation and to soak in the town's atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access Options
Opt for the shorter rear staircase or the road route if the main steps are too challenging. Parking is available at the top.
📸 Nighttime Photography
The temple is well-lit at night, offering excellent opportunities for stunning photos of the pagoda and town.
♨️ Adjacent to Hot Springs
Kosenji Temple is right next to Kusatsu's famous hot spring town, perfect for a combined visit.
🙏 Serene Reflection
Find a peaceful spot away from the main foot traffic for quiet contemplation and to soak in the town's atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Kosenji Temple to be a charming and historically significant site, offering beautiful views of Kusatsu Onsen and its iconic Yubatake. Its accessibility, especially with alternative routes and parking, is appreciated, and the serene atmosphere, particularly at night, makes it a memorable stop. Some may find the main staircase a bit challenging, but the overall experience is highly regarded.
"The legend of Kosenji Temple is related to the discovery of Kusatsu Onsen. It is said that in 721, the monk Gyoki discovered Kusatsu Onsen and founded the temple here. In 1200, the lord of Kusatsu built the main hall of Kosenji Temple.
The main hall looks like a building that has been renovated in recent years. The Shakado Hall next to it was built in 1703. It is a small temple with an ancient flavor, guarding this hot spring town. The main hall of Kosenji Temple enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, and is known as one of the three major hot spring pharmacists in Japan, along with Arima Onsen Onsenji Temple in Kobe and Yamanaka Onsen Ioji Temple in Kaga."
Antony Li
"Nice medium sized temple that is located directly beside the main town square center. There is a long visible staircase but there is a shorter one directly behind the entrance at the top that is not visible from there bottom. There is an easier but more lengthy road route that goes around the side. If you drive there is a parking lot at the top. There is a nice 5 story pagoda at the top as well."
Cory Sakai
"Kusatsu Attractions Recommendation ⛩️ Kusatsu Onsen Temple
A 3-day, 2-night trip to Kusatsu Onsen
Apart from staying at a hot spring hotel and enjoying the accommodations and meals, I highly recommend spending a day exploring the Kusatsu Onsen area.
A must-visit spot is Kusatsu Onsen Temple, located on the mountaintop.
From there, you can take in the breathtaking views of Kusatsu and admire the beautiful hot spring fields.
With the combination of the five-story pagoda and the snowy scenery, it feels like a picturesque postcard."
Chelsea Pun (思思賢 Chill My Babe)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Kusatsu Onsen, where Kosenji Temple is located, from Tokyo by train or bus. Direct buses are a convenient option with free Wi-Fi. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot available at the top of the temple grounds, making it accessible for visitors arriving by car.
You can climb the main stone staircase, use a shorter, less visible staircase behind the entrance at the top, or take a longer, easier road route.
Yes, Kosenji Temple is located near the main town square and is a must-visit spot when exploring Kusatsu Onsen. +1
Many accommodations in Kusatsu Onsen are within walking distance. For example, some hotels are just a 3-minute walk from the temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kosenji Temple is open 24/7 and generally free to enter, allowing for visits at any time.
The temple complex is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it accessible for early morning or late-night visits.
There is no admission fee to visit Kosenji Temple, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
Yes, the temple is well-lit at night, making it safe and easy to navigate for nighttime visits and photography.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, it's always a good idea to check local listings for any special events or ceremonies that might be taking place during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The five-story pagoda, the panoramic views of Yubatake, and the temple grounds offer excellent photographic opportunities. The well-lit complex is also great for night shots.
Photography rules can vary within temple grounds. It's advisable to look for signage or ask temple staff if you are unsure about photographing inside specific halls.
Early mornings and late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds. The temple is also beautifully illuminated at night.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and populated areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the pagoda and expansive views. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at night.
🎫 ♨️ Onsen Experience
Kosenji Temple is intrinsically linked to Kusatsu Onsen, with legends stating the monk Gyoki discovered the hot springs and founded the temple here. It's a guardian temple for the hot spring town.
Absolutely! Kosenji Temple is located right in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen town, famous for its numerous hot springs and bathing facilities. +1
The Yubatake is the main hot water field in Kusatsu Onsen, where hot spring water is cooled and channeled. Kosenji Temple offers excellent views of it. +1
Yes, Kusatsu Onsen town has many public bathhouses and private onsen hotels where you can experience the therapeutic waters.
Kusatsu's hot springs are known for their high acidity and sulfur content, believed to have healing properties. The water output is one of the largest in Japan.
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