The Chosenji was founded in Ouei 14(1407) in Kamotakamori forest at first, then was moved here by Kiyotane Shirai iwaminokami in Eisho 4(1507). Nagahide Niwa made the temple change the mission to Soutou-mission during Tensho era.
You would reach the main hall after you walk beside rather new six Jizo and Nyoirinkannon and go though a Sanmon. Going beside the main hall, you would see the big tree looks like a Japanese cedar tree. This is the Kouyouzan. The diameter of root is 8.55m and it is about 28.0m long. It is the fourth biggest tree in this type of tree.
According to an illustrated reference book, it was imported from China in Edo period and it may be the first plant in this area.
There is a Kouyouzan left side of stone steps of three-storied pagoda of Myotsuji. Thus, there are many Kouyouzan in Wakasa province, but this tree is the biggest one. It was suffered from typhoon in Showa 30 and top of the tree was broken off. The broken part was used for the main hall, it is quite soft.
Japanese name "Kouyouzan" is named because it looks like Japanese cedar tree as leaf is wide.
Explanation 
Chosenji
