Complete Guide to Ryukoji Temples | History, Highlights, and Access Information for Ryukoji Temples Nationwide
There are several temples named “Ryukoji” throughout Japan. Each has its own unique history and characteristics, and is cherished as a center of local faith. This article provides a detailed explanation of the history, highlights, annual events, and access information for the major Ryukoji temples.
Ryukoji Temple in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture (Tenzawasan Ryukoji)
About Ryukoji Temple
Tenzawasan Ryukoji Temple, located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, is a temple belonging to the Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism and boasts a history of approximately 600 years. It is also affectionately known locally as “Konpira-ji” and is known as a temple associated with the song “Soshunfu” (Early Spring Song).
History of Ryukoji Temple
The founding of Ryukoji Temple dates back to the Muromachi period, and it is said to have been established during the Oei era (1394-1428). Founded by Zen Master Kohaku Daisen, the 240th abbot of Tofuku-ji Temple and the 25th abbot of Ise Ryuko-ji Temple, Ryuko-ji Temple has attracted the faith of the local community for 600 years. During the Edo period, it received the patronage of influential local figures and expanded its temple grounds.
Despite the impact of the anti-Buddhist movement after the Meiji Restoration, the temple continued to preserve its traditions with the support of local residents. The main hall was restored during the Showa era, and the temple complex has been continuously improved from the Heisei to the Reiwa era.
Temple Complex
Within the grounds of Ryuko-ji Temple, historical buildings such as the main hall, priest’s quarters, and main gate are arranged. The main hall retains the architectural style of the late Edo period, and inside are enshrined Buddhist statues, including the principal image.
Ancient trees, hundreds of years old, are scattered throughout the grounds, displaying different expressions throughout the seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring, the fresh greenery in early summer, and the autumn foliage are particularly magnificent, attracting many visitors.
The Reclining Buddha Festival (Nirvana Ceremony) that ushers in spring to the Iseji region
The most famous event at Ryukoji Temple is the “Reclining Buddha Festival,” held every March. This festival, known as the Nirvana Ceremony, is a memorial service commemorating the passing of Buddha.
During the Reclining Buddha Festival, a reclining Buddha statue, several meters long, is enshrined in the main hall, attracting many worshippers. Tens of thousands of people gather every year, making it a quintessential spring event in the Iseji region. During the festival, numerous stalls line the temple grounds, creating a lively atmosphere as a major local event.
Strolling through the Temple Grounds
The grounds of Ryukoji Temple are a tranquil and healing space. Passing through the temple gate, a stone-paved path leads to the main hall. Seasonal flowers are planted along both sides of the path, delighting visitors.
Behind the main hall lies a garden, a beautiful landscape incorporating the style of a dry landscape garden. You can experience the spirit of Zen while strolling through the temple grounds.
Annual Events
Ryukoji Temple holds various events throughout the year.
- January: Shusho-e (New Year’s service)
- March: Neshaka Matsuri (Nirvana Ceremony)
- Spring/Autumn: Higan-e (Equinox Ceremony)
- August: Segaki-e (Feeding of Hungry Ghosts), Urabon-e (Buddhist Festival)
- December: Jodo-e (Buddha’s Enlightenment Ceremony)
These events are open to the general public and offer a valuable opportunity to experience Buddhist teachings.
Access Information
Location: Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Access by Train: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Hiratacho Station on the Kintetsu Suzuka Line, or approximately 10 minutes by car from Kasato Station on the JR Kansai Main Line
Access by Car: Approximately 15 minutes from Suzuka IC on the Tomeihan Expressway. Parking is available on the temple grounds (temporary parking is also available during the Reclining Buddha Festival).
Phone Number: Please check the official website for details.
Ryukoji Temple (Myohozan Ryukoji) in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
Temple Overview
Myohozan Ryukoji Temple, located in Kita-Tatsuno, Tatsuno-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a temple belonging to the Nichiren sect. It is characterized by its location surrounded by abundant nature, with the Ibo River to the east, Mt. Daizan to the west, Mt. Keirozan to the south, and Mt. Kandodōzan to the north.
History and Characteristics
The history of Ryukoji Temple is relatively recent, dating back over 100 years since its founding. In 2021, the 4th head priest, Nichihiro, inherited the Dharma lineage, and the temple aims to be a “temple where people live and thrive together.”
It strives to be a kind temple that is close to everyone and where everyone can feel at ease, and is rooted in the community as an open temple where people can easily seek advice. The Misaka Waterfall flows in front of the temple, and it welcomes visitors as a healing space surrounded by nature.
Access Information
Location: Kita-Tatsuno, Tatsuno-cho, Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access by Train: Walking or taxi from JR Kishin Line “Hon-Tatsuno Station”
Access by Car: Approximately 10 minutes from Sanyo Expressway “Tatsuno-Nishi IC”
Ryukoji Temple (Ryukoin) in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture
Historical Background
Ryukoji Temple, located in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture (formerly Kitsuregawa Town), is said to have been founded by Ashikaga Takauji. The exact founding date is unknown, but it was originally called Toshōji Temple. It was designated as the Ankokuji Temple in Shimotsuke Province, one of the Ankokuji Rishōtō temples established throughout Japan by Ashikaga Takauji and his younger brother, Tadayoshi.
Relationship with the Kitsuregawa Clan
During the Sengoku period, Ashikaga Yorishi, who entered Kitsuregawa Castle, rebuilt this temple after it was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s forces. In 1601, when his father, Yorizumi, passed away, he was buried at this temple, and the temple was renamed Ryūkōin, taking the first characters of his posthumous Buddhist name, “Ryūkōin-dono Zenzan Kiko Daizenjōmon.”
Therefore, it gained the patronage of the Kitsuregawa clan, becoming their family temple during the Edo period and receiving a temple territory of 50 koku. It flourished as a temple for prayers and memorial services for successive lords of the Kitsuregawa domain.
Cultural Properties
The burial ground is surrounded by an embankment, and within a total area of 400 square meters, there are 54 stone monuments and stone lanterns. The tombs of fourteen generations of feudal lords, their wives, and heirs are located here, and the temple retains its original form as a representative cultural asset of the castle town of Kitsuregawa.
After World War II, in 1953 (Showa 28), the temple’s name was changed to its current name, Ryukoji.
Access Information
Location: Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture
Access by Train: Bus or taxi from JR Tohoku Main Line “Ujiie Station”
Access by Car: Approximately 20 minutes from Tohoku Expressway “Yaita IC”
Recommended Course: A walking course around Kitsuregawa-juku along the Oshu Kaido
Ryukoji Temple in Tokyo
Ryukoji Temple in Honkomagome, Bunkyo Ward
Located in Honkomagome, Bunkyo Ward, Ryukoji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple of the Tofukuji school, also known as Tensawa-san. The 240th abbot of Tofuku-ji Temple and the 25th abbot of Ise Ryuko-ji Temple, Zen Master Kohaku Daisen, traveled to Edo by order of the shogunate. The temple was founded in 1632 (Kanei 9) by prominent shogunate officials, including the Ogasawara family of the Hizen Karatsu Domain, Ogasawara Iki-no-kami Tadatomo, lord of Mikawa Yoshida Castle, and Kyogoku Gyobu-no-shoyu Takakazu, lord of Sanuki Marugame Castle.
In 1656 (Meireki 2), it moved to its current location and has since become a temple of Edo history. Despite its central location, it maintains a tranquil space, offering peace and solace to visitors.
Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Hon-Komagome Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
Ryuko-ji Temple in Izumi, Suginami Ward
Located in Izumi, Suginami Ward, Ryuko-ji Temple is a Shingon sect Muroji-ha temple, also known as Sennyuzan Io-in. The principal image is a wooden standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), a rare example in Suginami Ward dating back to the late Heian period.
According to the “Detailed Records” of 1877 (Meiji 10), the temple was founded in 1172 (Shoan 2), and according to temple tradition, the founding priest was Ryūkan Oshō.
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Daitabashi Station on the Keio Line
Ryūkōji Temple in Komae City
Ryūkōji Temple, located in Komae City, is a Tendai sect temple known as Shinmeizan Yakuōin. During the Edo period, it was a branch temple of Jindaiji Temple. It is said that repeated flooding of the Tama River washed away the temple grounds and other temple lands, leading to its relocation to its current location.
According to the Shinpen Musashi Fudoki Kō (1826), in addition to the principal image of a seated Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), there is also a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai, both of which still exist.
Access: By bus or on foot from Komae Station on the Odakyu Line
Ryukoji Temple, one of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Inariyama Gokokuin Ryukoji Temple (Temple No. 41)
Located in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, Ryukoji Temple is the 41st temple of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It is also known as Inariyama Gokokuin, and its principal image is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva.
It is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the request of Emperor Saga. Originally located in Mikuma District, it was moved to its current location during the anti-Buddhist movement of the Meiji era. A new main hall was built, and the Eleven-Faced Kannon statue is enshrined as the principal image.
It is also associated with Inari worship and attracts worshippers seeking business prosperity and abundant harvests.
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Yosan Line “Uwajima Station”
Ryukoji Temple, the Head Temple of the Eight Great Dragon Kings in Nara Prefecture
Nara Prefecture is home to Ryukoji Temple, known as the head temple of the Eight Great Dragon Kings. As a central site of the Eight Great Dragon Kings faith, it is known for prayers related to rain and water.
The Ryukoji Temple scripture, “Hachidai Ryuo Gongyogi” (Eight Great Dragon Kings Daily Practice), has been revised and reissued for the first time in half a century. It features easy-to-read large characters, furigana (phonetic readings), and a convenient large-format design. It is available for direct distribution at the temple office.
The head priest also actively engages in modern information dissemination, including posting on Instagram.
Points to Note When Visiting Ryukoji Temple
Visiting Etiquette
When visiting Ryukoji Temple, please observe the following basic visiting etiquette.
- Dress Code: Avoid revealing clothing and dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Photography: Photography is often permitted within the temple grounds, but please check in advance regarding photography inside the main hall or of Buddha statues.
- Quietness: Please be quiet within the temple grounds and be considerate of other visitors.
- Offering: Please offer a donation in the offering box when visiting the temple.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Many Ryukoji temples offer Goshuin. Bring your Goshuincho (stamp book) and politely request one. The Goshuin fee is usually around 300 yen.
Ryukoji temples of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage also offer inscription in pilgrimage notebooks.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
Visiting hours and admission fees vary depending on the Ryukoji temple. Generally, they are as follows:
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (may vary by temple)
- Admission Fee: Free entry to the temple grounds; separate fees apply for special viewings
- Open Year-Round: However, visits may be closed due to religious services or events.
We recommend checking the official website or calling ahead before visiting.
Tourist Attractions Around Ryukoji Temple
Around Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
- Suzuka Circuit: A sacred place for motorsports
- Tsubaki Grand Shrine: An ancient shrine known as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Ise Province
- Suzuka Forest Garden: A famous spot for weeping plum blossoms
Around Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Tatsuno Castle: A symbol of the castle town of Tatsuno
- Ibonoito Museum: Learn about the history of somen noodles
- Kamo Shrine: An ancient shrine of Harima Province
Around Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Kitsuregawa Onsen: A historic hot spring resort
- Omaruyama Park: A famous spot for cherry blossoms
- Saotome Onsen: Day-trip bathing available
Ryukoji Temple in the Reiwa Era
With the arrival of the Reiwa era, Ryukoji temples throughout Japan are undertaking new initiatives while preserving their traditions.
Digitalization Initiatives
Many Ryukoji temples have launched official websites and disseminate information through blogs and social media. They publish event announcements and photos and videos of the temple grounds, allowing people from afar to experience the atmosphere of the temple.
Community Collaboration
Ryukoji temples act as centers of the local community, engaging in various activities. They regularly hold Zen meditation sessions, sutra copying sessions, and Dharma talks, spreading Buddhist teachings.
They also actively participate in local festivals and events, contributing to the preservation of local culture.
Preservation and Restoration of Buildings
The preservation and restoration of historical buildings is also a crucial issue. Restoration work on temple buildings such as the main hall and gate is carried out systematically, and efforts continue to preserve cultural assets for future generations.
Summary
Ryukoji temples, located throughout Japan, each possess their own unique history and characteristics, and are cherished as centers of faith in their respective communities.
Ryukoji Temple in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, is a Rinzai sect temple of the Tofukuji branch with a history of approximately 600 years and is famous for its Reclining Buddha Festival, which heralds spring in the Ise region. Ryukoji Temple in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, is a Nichiren sect temple aiming to be a “temple that lives and thrives together,” while Ryukoji Temple in Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a temple associated with the Ashikaga clan and served as the family temple of the lords of the Kitsuregawa domain.
There are also several Ryukoji temples within Tokyo, each welcoming visitors as a tranquil space amidst the city. Ryukoji Temple, part of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is an important stop for pilgrims and attracts many visitors.
When visiting each Ryukoji temple, it is important to understand its history and characteristics and to worship with appropriate manners. Exploring the temple grounds allows you to experience traditional Japanese culture and Buddhist teachings.
For information on annual events and special viewings, it is recommended to check each temple’s official website or phone number and plan your visit accordingly. Please check access information in advance and plan your visit by public transport or car.
Even in the Reiwa era, Ryukoji Temple continues to contribute to the local community by preserving tradition while undertaking new initiatives. Please visit a Ryukoji Temple near you and experience its charm.
