KOZEN-JI TEMPLE

This beautiful Zen temple, built in 1434, served as a burial temple for many lords. It is the most famous temple in the Kiso Valley. It has the largest dry garden in Japan and even in Asia. In the cemetery is the tomb of Kiso Yoshinaka, who was accused of treason by Minamoto No Yoritomo and was killed by Minamoto No Yoshitsune. However, he is considered a hero in Kiso-Fukushima and a festival is held on August 13. Inside are exposed a number of paintings and treasures (beware, it is closed in winter).