Question 1

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

By car, about 10-13 minutes from Ikuchijima-Kita IC or Ikuchijima-Minami IC on the Shimanami Kaido. By boat, about 35-40 minutes by fast ferry from Onomichi Port to Setoda Port, then about 10 minutes on foot; from Mihara Port it is about 25 minutes by boat. From the JR line, take the fast ferry from the pier in front of Onomichi Station.

Question 2

Can I combine it with cycling the Shimanami Kaido?

Accepted Answer

Ikuchijima is on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route. The island's terrain suits cycling, and riding round it after visiting Kosanji is popular. Bicycles can also be hired at Setoda Port.

Question 3

Can I visit along with Onomichi?

Accepted Answer

Kosanji is on Ikuchijima (Setoda), about 35-40 minutes by fast ferry from Onomichi Port. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art is also nearby, and the Gurutto Setoda pass (combining the Onomichi-Setoda cruise, the Hirayama Ikuo Museum, Kosanji admission and bicycle hire) is convenient.

Question 4

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

Open 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30), all year round. The Choseikaku residence alone is open 10:00-16:00.

Question 5

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the halls and pagodas, the Kongokan displays and the Hill of Hope at leisure, and a little more if you want to take your time over photographs.

Question 6

What cultural properties are there?

Accepted Answer

Fifteen buildings, including the mountain gate and the main hall, are registered national tangible cultural properties. The temple also holds many Important Cultural Properties and important works of art, including Buddhist statues, paintings, calligraphy and tea utensils, among them a seated crowned Amida Buddha by Kaikei and a fragment of the Satake version of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets (Ki no Tsurayuki).

Question 7

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 1,400 yen, seniors 1,200 yen, university students 1,000 yen, high school students 800 yen, and free for junior high school age and under (200 yen off for groups). This covers the Kosanji grounds, the Hill of Hope and the Kongokan.

Question 8

Why is it called the temple of the mother and the Nikko of the west?

Accepted Answer

It was built by the former businessman Kozo Kosanji as an expression of gratitude to his mother, which is why it is called the temple of the mother. Its splendid halls and pagodas, modelled on National Treasure buildings, including a full-size reproduction of the Yomeimon gate of Nikko Toshogu, have earned it the name the Nikko of the west.

Question 9

What is the Hill of Hope?

Accepted Answer

It is a marble garden of 5,000 square metres created by the contemporary sculptor Kazuto Kuetani. The pure white marble against the sky and sea makes a striking scene, and it is extremely popular for photographs. It is included in the admission to Kosanji.

Question 10

Can I enjoy it in the rain?

Accepted Answer

The halls and pagodas and the Buddhist, tea ceremony and modern art collections in the Kongokan can all be seen under cover. The Hill of Hope is an outdoor marble garden, so please watch your footing in wet weather.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is free parking. Access from the Shimanami Kaido is good, so coming by car is convenient.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 13 minutes by car from Ikuchijima-Kita IC or Ikuchijima-Minami IC on the Shimanami Kaido. About 10 minutes' walk from Setoda Port, about 35 minutes by ferry from Onomichi Port.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

553-2 Setoda, Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year round.

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)

Question 17

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 1,400 yen, seniors 1,200 yen, university students 1,000 yen, high school students 800 yen, junior high school age and under free (covering the temple grounds, the Hill of Hope and the Kongokan).

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