There are two temples named Zenkoji, one in Nagano, and one in Kofu in Yamanashi. The latter is usually called Kai-Zenkoji (Kai is the old name for that part of Yamanashi.) This beautiful and distinctive temple was established by samurai hero Takeda Shingen in 1565. The main hall is very large, and you can see it rising above the area's vineyards from far away. It has one of the cleanest, clearest ponds I've ever seen, containing an excellent collection of large and beautiful koi.
- 1 min read
Kai-Zenkoji
Kofu's best known temple looms above the vineyards
![Cathy Cawood Cathy Cawood](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/1713/240x240!/61d020bdef751f611f5e3c02.jpg)
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
![View of main hall framed by the gate](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87844/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87844.jpg)
View of main hall framed by the gate
![One of the gate guardians](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87845/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87845.jpg)
One of the gate guardians
![Beautiful pine trees lean over the path](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87846/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87846.jpg)
Beautiful pine trees lean over the path
![One of the statues is playing hide and seek!](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87848/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87848.jpg)
One of the statues is playing hide and seek!
![Lilies bloomed in the summer gardens ](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87847/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87847.jpg)
Lilies bloomed in the summer gardens
![View of the gate from the incense burner](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87849/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87849.jpg)
View of the gate from the incense burner
![A very long pine branch had been trained across the front of the temple](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87850/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87850.jpg)
A very long pine branch had been trained across the front of the temple
![Intricate wood carvings decorated the temple eaves](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87851/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87851.jpg)
Intricate wood carvings decorated the temple eaves
![The tall doors of the temple stood open](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87855/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87855.jpg)
The tall doors of the temple stood open
![The paint on the temple was worn and flaking](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87854/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87854.jpg)
The paint on the temple was worn and flaking
![The bell tower](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87856/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87856.jpg)
The bell tower
![This statue of Buddha seems to be blessing the flowers](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87853/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87853.jpg)
This statue of Buddha seems to be blessing the flowers
![Kai-Zenkoji had one of the clearest ponds I've ever seen](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87857/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87857.jpg)
Kai-Zenkoji had one of the clearest ponds I've ever seen
![The pond contained many koi, but there was one very beautiful golden koi](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87852/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87852.jpg)
The pond contained many koi, but there was one very beautiful golden koi
![View of Kai-Zenkoji over the cemetery](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87858/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87858.jpg)
View of Kai-Zenkoji over the cemetery
![There are many vineyards around the temple](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/14765-87859/1000/yamanashi-kai-zenkoji-87859.jpg)
There are many vineyards around the temple
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Join the discussion
Mandy Bartok
9 years ago
I love the opening photo, Cathy. What a peaceful place!
Thank you Mandy! It WAS peaceful in August, but I went there last Sunday and you could hardly move because of the Spring Festival crowds!
2 comments in total
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