Complete Guide to Seiryu-ji Temples: A Thorough Explanation of Seiryu-ji Temples and Sacred Sites Associated with Kukai Across Japan
Seiryu-ji (青龍寺, しょうりゅうじ) is the name of several Buddhist temples located throughout Japan and China. In particular, the Seiryu-ji Temple in Xi’an, China, associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, is known as the birthplace of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Each Seiryu-ji Temple throughout Japan also possesses its own unique history and beliefs. This article provides a detailed explanation of the historical background, cultural value, and visiting information for various Seiryu-ji Temples.
What is Seiryu-ji?: Origin of the Name and Nationwide Distribution
The name Seiryu-ji originates from the Buddhist concept of the Four Symbols, specifically the Azure Dragon (青龍), which guards the east. In Japan, it is pronounced “Seiryu-ji” or “Shoryu-ji,” and temples with the same name exist throughout the country.
The following are some of the major Qinglong Temples:
- Qinglong Temple (Xi’an, China) – A sacred site of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and a place where Kukai practiced asceticism
- Qinglong Temple (Tosa City, Kochi Prefecture) – The 36th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
- Qinglong Temple (Aomori City) – A famous temple in Tohoku known for its Showa Great Buddha
- Qinglong Temple (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City) – Kenshozan Qinglong Temple, a Jodo sect temple
- Qinglong Temple (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture) – A Tendai sect temple located in the northern valley of the West Pagoda of Mount Hiei
- Qinglong Temple (Yazu Town, Tottori Prefecture) – Naritasan Qinglong Temple
Each temple has its own unique sect, history, and form of worship, and is deeply connected to the local culture.
Qinglong Temple (Xi’an): A Sacred Site of Training for Kobo Daishi Kukai
History and Connection to Kukai
Located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, Qinglong Temple is one of the most important temples in the history of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. Founded in 582 AD during the Sui Dynasty as “Linggan Temple,” it was renamed “Qinglong Temple” in 711 AD during the Tang Dynasty.
In the early 9th century, Kobo Daishi Kukai (774-835), who traveled to Tang China as part of a Japanese envoy in 804, studied under Master Huiguo (746-805) at Qinglong Temple. Kukai learned the profound secrets of Esoteric Buddhism in a remarkably short period of six months and received full transmission as the eighth patriarch of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of Japanese Buddhism. Upon his return to Japan, Kukai founded Kongobu-ji Temple on Mount Koya and established the Shingon sect.
The Current Qinglong Temple and a Symbol of Sino-Japanese Friendship
The current Qinglong Temple is located in Yanta District, in the southern suburbs of Xi’an, on the former site of Chang’an, the city of the Tang Dynasty. Although it fell into ruin during the Cultural Revolution and other periods, it was rebuilt in the 1980s as a symbol of Sino-Japanese friendship. Within the temple grounds are the Kukai Memorial Monument and the Huiguo-Kukai Memorial Hall, and cherry trees donated by Japan are planted.
Qinglong Temple is also known as the “No. 0 Temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage,” serving as a starting point for pilgrims undertaking the Shikoku pilgrimage. In spring, it is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, attracting many tourists.
Access and Visiting Information
The temple is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city center of Xi’an, within walking distance of Qinglong Temple Station on Metro Line 3. While there is an entrance fee, it offers a valuable experience for Japanese visitors to trace the footsteps of Kukai.
Qinglong Temple is also known as the “No. 0 Temple” of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, serving as a starting point for those aspiring to complete the Shikoku pilgrimage. ## Seiryu-ji Temple (Kochi Prefecture): 36th Temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Origin of Tokkozan Ishanain Seiryu-ji Temple
Located in Usa-cho, Tosa City, Kochi Prefecture, Seiryu-ji Temple is a Shingon sect temple of the Buzan school, with the mountain name Tokkozan and the temple name Ishanain. It is the 36th temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
According to temple tradition, when Kukai returned from Tang China, he sought the best place to spread Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Japan. He threw a ritual implement called a sankosho (three-pronged vajra) or tokkosho (single-pronged vajra) from his ship, and it is said to have landed in this area. Moved by this miraculous event, Kukai is said to have carved the principal image, Namikiri Fudō Myōō (Wave-Cutting Fudo Myōō), and founded the temple.
Principal Image and Faith
The principal image, Namikiri Fudo Myoo, has long been revered by fishermen praying for safe voyages and abundant catches. Numerous votive paintings of ships are enshrined in the main hall, indicating the temple’s deep connection to the sea.
The statue of Fudo Myoo enshrined in the main hall is designated a National Important Cultural Property, a wooden sculpture dating from the late Heian period. Kongara Doji and Seitaka Doji are also enshrined as attendant deities.
Yokonami Skyline and Scenic Views
Seiryu-ji Temple is located in the mountains of the Yokonami Peninsula, surrounded by the scenic Yokonami Skyline. The temple offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and is known as one of the most scenic temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Access Information
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kochi City, or approximately 30 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Tosa City Station. Located in a mountainous area, it is convenient to visit by car. Parking is available.
Seiryu-ji Temple (Aomori City): The Showa Great Buddha and a Center of Faith in Tohoku
Overview of Seiryu-ji Temple and the Showa Great Buddha
Located in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, Seiryu-ji Temple is a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect and is widely known as the “Showa Great Buddha.” While its official name is “Seiryu-ji Temple,” the gigantic statue of Dainichi Nyorai enshrined on the temple grounds is called the Showa Great Buddha, and has become synonymous with the temple.
Characteristics of the Showa Great Buddha
The Showa Great Buddha boasts the largest size of any bronze seated statue in Japan, with an overwhelming scale of 21.35 meters in height and a total weight of 220 tons. Completed in 1984 (Showa 59), it attracted attention for surpassing the size of the Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura.
The five-story pagoda housing the Great Buddha is 39 meters tall, and inside is the Great Buddha Hall, allowing visitors to approach and view the Buddha up close. A pilgrimage site featuring sand from the 88 temples of Shikoku is also located nearby, offering a simulated experience of the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
The grounds of Seiryu-ji Temple are vast and include the following facilities:
- Showa Great Buddha Hall – Houses a seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai
- Five-Story Pagoda – A magnificent pagoda standing 39 meters tall
- Ryujin Pond – A pond in the center of the temple grounds
- Aomori Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage – A miniature pilgrimage site
- Koyasan Okunoin Remote Worship Site
In winter, visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight of the Great Buddha amidst a snowy landscape, appreciating the temple’s seasonal beauty.
Access and Visiting Information
Approximately 20 minutes by car from central Aomori City, and approximately 30 minutes by bus from Aomori Station. The parking lot is free and spacious, accommodating even large buses. While there is an entrance fee, its scale and grandeur are well worth the visit.
Seiryu-ji Temple (Kyoto City): History of Kenshozan Seiryu-ji Temple
Seiryu-ji Temple as a Jodo Sect Temple
Located on Shimogawara-dori in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Seiryu-ji Temple is a Jodo sect temple with the mountain name Kenshozan. It is registered as the 128th temple in the Kyoto Diocese.
Founding and Changes
By imperial decree of Emperor Kanmu, it was established as “Daiho-ji Temple” on Oshioyama (present-day Oharano, Nishikyo Ward). Following the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, it moved to its current location and was later renamed Seiryu-ji Temple.
Located in the temple district of Higashiyama, it is close to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, making it a convenient place to visit as part of a Kyoto sightseeing trip.
Access
Within walking distance of Keihan Railway’s “Gion-Shijo Station” or “Kiyomizu-Gojo Station,” and close to the city bus stop “Kiyomizu-do,” access is excellent.
Seiryu-ji Temple (Mount Hiei): Kurodani, associated with Honen Shonin
Seiryu-ji Temple in the North Valley of the West Pagoda of Mount Hiei
Located in the North Valley of the West Pagoda of Mount Hiei in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Seiryu-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple and is designated as a special sacred site among the 25 sacred sites of Honen Shonin.
Founding and Daikokuten Worship
The temple is said to have been founded by Jiei Daishi Ryogen (912-985), the head priest of the Tendai sect. This area is home to the sacred site “Daikokutaki,” where Daikokuten is said to have appeared, and was called “Daikokudani,” which gave rise to the place name “Kurodani.”
This place is an important sacred site for followers of the Jodo sect, as it is where Honen Shonin trained in his youth and where he later founded the Jodo sect.
About Visiting
Located within the grounds of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, it can be visited in conjunction with a visit to Enryaku-ji Temple. Mount Hiei can be accessed via the Sakamoto Cable Car or the Hieizan Driveway.
Naritasan Seiryu-ji Temple (Tottori Prefecture): Center of Local Faith
Seiryu-ji Temple in Yazu-cho, Tottori Prefecture
Naritasan Seiryu-ji Temple, located in Yazu-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture, is a Shingon sect Chizan-ha temple and a branch temple of Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture.
Treasure Hall and Buddhist Statues
The treasure hall of Seiryu-ji Temple houses statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten (Bishamonten) from the Kamakura period. These are vividly colored, joined-wood sculptures, and, including the base, quite tall. They are revered as guardian deities of the east and north, respectively, and are worshipped for protection against disaster.
Access
Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Tottori City, and about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Koge Station.
Significance of Visiting Seiryu-ji Temples in Various Locations
The Footsteps of Kukai and Shingon Esoteric Buddhism
Many temples bearing the name Seiryu-ji have direct or indirect connections to Kobo Daishi Kukai. Kukai’s teachings, learned at Qinglong-ji Temple in Xi’an, spread throughout Japan, leading to the establishment of Shingon Buddhist temples in various regions. A pilgrimage to Seiryu-ji temples can be considered a spiritual journey tracing Kukai’s footsteps.
Integration with Local Culture
Seiryu-ji temples in various locations are deeply intertwined with the history and culture of their respective regions. Diverse forms of worship, such as fishing-related faith, Great Buddha worship, and Pure Land Buddhism, can be seen, embodying the rich diversity of Japanese Buddhism.
Pilgrimage and Tourism
Some temples, such as Seiryu-ji Temple in Kochi Prefecture (a temple on the Shikoku Pilgrimage) and Seiryu-ji Temple on Mount Hiei (a sacred site associated with Honen Shonin), serve as pilgrimage sites. Furthermore, some temples, like the Showa Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Aomori Prefecture), hold significant importance as tourist attractions, possessing value from both a religious and tourism perspective.
Points to Note When Visiting Seiryu-ji Temple
Temple Visiting Etiquette
When visiting any Seiryu-ji temple, please observe the following basic temple visiting etiquette:
- Bow at the Temple Gate – Bow before entering the temple grounds.
- Purify at the Water Basin – Purify your hands and mouth.
- Worship at the Main Hall – Join your hands in prayer and offer a monetary donation.
- Maintain a Quiet Attitude – Remain quiet on the temple grounds and avoid disturbing other visitors.
- Photography – Refrain from taking photographs in areas where photography is prohibited.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Many Seiryu-ji temples offer Goshuin. At Seiryu-ji temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, you can have your Goshuin stamped in your pilgrimage notebook. Goshuin are proof of your visit; treat them with care as a record of your faith, not as a collection.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring – Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully at Qinglong Temple in Xi’an.
- Summer – The blue Pacific Ocean is reflected in the view of Qinglong Temple in Kochi.
- Autumn – The area around Qinglong Temple on Mount Hiei is a famous spot for autumn foliage.
- Winter – The Showa Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Aomori) presents a majestic sight amidst the snowy landscape.
Summary: The Diversity of Japanese Buddhism as Shown by Qinglong Temple
Through the single name of Qinglong Temple, we can see the breadth and diversity of Japanese Buddhism. Starting from the birthplace of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Xi’an, China, to the sacred sites on the coast of Shikoku, the Great Buddha of Tohoku, the ancient temples of Kyoto, and the training monasteries of Mount Hiei, each has cultivated its own unique history and faith.
Even today, these Qinglong Temples continue to be centers of faith for local people, while also playing an important role as cultural assets that convey history and culture. Visiting various Seiryu-ji temples throughout Japan offers a valuable opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of Japanese Buddhist culture.
The esoteric Buddhist teachings that Kobo Daishi Kukai learned in China over 1200 years ago are still passed down through these temples. The time spent quietly offering prayers while feeling the weight of history will surely bring peace of mind, a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
