Kogaku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Kogakuji branch of the Rinzai sect, which comprises a total of fourteen branches. It is located at the southern foot of Mount Shionoyama, and takes the prefix “Enzan” that is written using the same characters as “Shionoyama.” The predecessor of Kogaku-ji Temple, Soan Kogaku-an, was a hermitage built by Takeda Nobunari. In 1380, Kogaku-ji Temple was founded in its place by Zen priest Bassui Tokusho upon receiving the temple site from Nobunari.
The buildings of the temple were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in numerous fires and battles. However, the linear arrangement of the main gate, central gate, worship hall dedicated to the founder of the temple, and the priest’s quarters exhibit the characteristic structure of Zen temple complexes to this day. Additionally, many cultural properties have also survived through the years, including the Kenpon Chakushoku Darumazu (Painting of Daruma), designated a National Treasure. The garden and halls are also nationally designated properties, but they are not open to the public, as the temple is a place of ascetic practice.
A festival is held at Akiba-jinja Shrine ensconced in the precincts of the temple on April 18 every year, as a popular event that local residents affectionately call “Akiya-san.”