Founded in the Heian period, Kozenji Temple is an ancient temple that still retains its three-story pagoda, main hall, and dry landscape garden, all of which were constructed during the Edo period. The temple grounds are popular with tourists for their seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snow-covered scenery in winter.

The Kozenji Garden, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1967, is famous for its moss garden and approximately 70 weeping cherry trees in full bloom.

The temple grounds include the main hall, large lecture hall, bell tower, mountain gate, and garden. The main hall was rebuilt in 2010, and houses the principal image of Acala, a statue of Honsho Shonin, and a statue of the sacred dog Hayataro.

The temple grounds are home to a legend from approximately 700 years ago, in which a wild dog named Hayataro defeated a monster.

The mountain gate, built in the late Edo period, is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

[Trivia]
Kōzenji Temple's sacred dog, Hayataro, is a loyal dog who served Minamoto no Yoritomo at the end of the Heian period, driving away evil spirits and epidemics to save the local residents. A Hayataro Hall was built within the temple grounds, and many worshippers visit every year to pray for blessings such as safety for the home, protection from misfortune, traffic safety during travel and commuting, business prosperity, academic success, and even the health and longevity of their pets.