Minobusan Kuonji Temple

Minobusan Kuon-ji Temple was founded in 1274 by Nichiren Shonin and is the head temple of Nichiren Buddhism. Even today, many people who revere Nichiren regard this place as a “spiritual anchor,” and numerous worshippers visit daily. Kuon-ji is especially famous for its weeping cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. In spring, visitors come from all over Japan to see the weeping cherry tree said to be around 400 years old. The temple is also known as a power spot and houses many cultural assets designated by Yamanashi Prefecture. Behind the temple is the ropeway station (Sanroku/Kuonji Station), which connects to the mountaintop “Okunoin Station” over a total length of 1,665 meters. The elevation difference is 763 meters—one of the largest in the Kanto region—and the one-way ride takes about 7 minutes. From the summit observatory, you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panorama including Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, the Southern Alps, the Yatsugatake range, and the Chichibu mountains. Access: by car, exit at either Chubu-Osen-Hayakawa IC or Kofu-Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway and take National Route 52; if using the Tomei Expressway, exit at Nanbu IC and take Route 52. By train, transfer at JR Chuo Main Line “Kofu Station” to the JR Minobu Line and get off at “Minobu Station.” From JR “Minobu Station,” local buses run to Minobusan (temple town). By highway bus, direct services operate from Busta Shinjuku via Yamanashi Kotsu and Keio Dentetsu Bus.