Kozako is located next to the prefectural border with Kyoto. In the past, despite its population, there were few lands suitable for agriculture. So they made a living through various businesses such as carpenter, stone processor, tatami mat manufacturer, roofer and blacksmith. Kozako used to be bustling as they had an active relationship with the neighboring Yakuno Town, currently merged into Fukuchiyama City, over the prefectural border.
Josen-ji Temple
Josen-ji Temple was founded as a temple of a Shinshu Buddhism sect Izumo-ji school by Josen Houshi in the Muromachi Period but later switched to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism sect Hongan-ji school. Gosho-ji Temple, the head temple of that school, vouchsafed to this temple a Goeden handscroll, which has a painting describing the teaching of Shinran, a founder of Jodo Shinshu.
Kuze Kannon-do Hall
This hall of Josenji is located at its mountain side, enshrining the statue of Kuze Kannon (Kannon of salvation). The enshrined eleven-faced Saharabhuja Bosatsu standing statue is believed to be created in the Heian Period. The festival commemorating the Kannon is held on the day of the seventeenth night in August.
Norito Iwa
The massive rock at the summit of a mountain in Kozako is called “Norito Iwa”. Several persons can sit on the top of the 4.8-meter-tall rock. Legend has it that the rock (“iwa” in Japanese) was put into place with the presentation of “Norito” (a congratulatory address) praying for peace and quiet of people in the era of Emperor Montoku (in the middle of 9th century).
Ruins Of Daiko-ji Temple
In the 12th century, the Minamoto clan (Genji) and the Taira family (Heike) battled for the legitimate rights to govern Japan. A Heike warrior who fled from the battle to this area established Daiko-ji Temple, a Tendai Buddhist sect temple, and led a life there. But it was burnt down by Genji. The vast ruins of the temple remain at the top of the mountain. Also, names of settlements such as “Daimon-Guchi” “Mizukoshi” and “Kyogoya” show signs of the burnt temple.
Nakaya
The exchange facility “Nakaya” frequently holds the gathering called “Nabeza-kai”. People inside and outside this subdistrict come together at the renovated traditional Japanese house and relaxedly have a relationship with each other by sitting around the irori fireplace.
Grass Art On The Dike
Formerly, the name of this sub district, Kozako, was depicted by using grass on the dike near its gateway. However, it was later changed into “okaeri” (welcome back) in order to warmly welcome the residents coming back from school and work. Now, many people pull up in front of the sign and take a photograph.
