The town of Komagane is located at the foot of the magnificent Southern and Central Alps, some of which reach 3000 meters. It offers many places to enjoy the seasonal flowers (some 150 species) that bloom in the Senjojiki circus like the remarkable weeping cherry trees, magnolias, peach and daffodils. This magnificent landscape also houses many places where culture and history are preserved.
Kozen-ji Temple
Kozenji was established by the monk Honjo Shonin in 860. His old buildings and the beauty of his garden have earned him a designation as a national scenic beauty.
Legend has it that about 700 years ago there was a very strong mountain dog in the Kozenji temple called “Hayataro”. At that time, there was a sad custom of sacrificing a girl every year at the festival held at the Mitsuke Tenjinja shrine, which is located in what is now the city of Iwata (Shizuoka Prefecture). The monk of Kozenji temple discovered that the monstrous old monkey who kidnapped the girls was afraid of Hayataro and sent him to hunt and kill the monster. It is said that, as a sign of gratitude, the Tenjinja shrine offered the temple a transcribed copy of the Sutra of the Great Perfection of Wisdom.
Komagane Kogen Art Museum
This art museum is located right next to the entrance to the Kozenji temple and was built like Mount Hokendake in the central Alps. The permanent exhibition presents the works of Masuo Ikeda, Chimei Hamada and Shinya Fujiwara and the temporary exhibitions present about 2,500 collections of great national and foreign artists. They range from contemporary art to works by historically famous artists such as Rodin and Rouault.
Komagan Silk Museum
The Komagane Silk Museum presents the history of silk sericulture and reeling, from its beginnings to the most recent research. This “living museum” is also a silkworm farm. In the craft centre, you can discover the reeling of the cocoon, the dyeing of plants and weaving. On site, you will also find a local fresh products outlet.
Ina-tsumugi
Ina-tsumugi is a traditional pong technique dyed with dyes extracted from bark and branches of trees that grow in the wild in the fields and mountains of Inadani. Tree types include chestnut, Japanese larch, Siebold apple tree, mountain cherry, white birch, Erman birch, and Japanese liv. The yarns are then hand dyed one by one with dyeing. This procedure remains the same as in ancient times. Using only wild plants makes the shades obtained unique in each season.
Komagane-kogen ski trails
This ski area offers an excellent opportunity for beginner-to-intermediate skiers, so it is ideal for families who want to take a sporting stage. On days when the sky is clear, the view of the central and southern Alps is breathtaking.
The ancient Kozenji temple with its sacred tranquillity, the Komagane-kogen ski area with its magnificent panoramic view, the Hayataro hot springs village with a natural spring from the foot of the mountain and the pastoral landscape filled with rural villages contribute to create a peaceful atmosphere out of time.
The ancient Kozenji temple with its sacred tranquillity, the Komagane-kogen ski area with its magnificent panoramic view, the hot springs village of Hayataro with a natural spring from the foot of the mountain and the pastoral landscape filled with rural villages contribute to create a peaceful atmosphere out of time.
If this article has brought you useful information and can help other travellers prepare for their stay, a Google review will always be appreciated. |
|
Discover more from Evasions Rebelles - Travel Planner Japon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
