Complete Guide to Ryutoku-ji Temples | A Thorough Explanation of the History, Access, and Characteristics of Ryutoku-ji Temples Nationwide
There are several temples named Ryutoku-ji throughout Japan. Each has a different history and characteristics, and has played an important role as a center of local faith. This article provides detailed information on major Ryutoku-ji temples in Hokkaido, Tottori Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture, and other areas.
What is Ryutoku-ji Temple?
Ryutoku-ji is a name found for Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The name “Ryutoku” often derives from the Buddhist belief in dragon gods and the concept of accumulating virtue, and is frequently seen in Zen Buddhist temples such as the Soto and Rinzai schools.
Each Ryutoku-ji temple has its own unique founding history and historical background, and is attracting attention as a regional cultural asset and tourist spot.
Ryutoku-ji Temple, Hokkaido
Ryutoku-ji Temple, Otaru City
History and Founding
Ryutoku-ji Temple, located in Mae, Otaru City, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1857 (Ansei 4) by the first abbot, Daiko Kaiun, in Ryutoku-cho (present-day Shinko-cho). Later, in 1874 (Meiji 7), it moved to its current location in Mae, where it remains today.
The main hall is known as the oldest temple main hall in Otaru City, and the building from its founding is preserved almost entirely as it was. Although only the foundation was restored in 1992, the building itself retains its original appearance, making it a historically valuable structure.
Japan’s Largest Wooden Fish Drum
The most famous feature of Ryutoku-ji Temple in Otaru is its massive wooden fish drum, measuring 1.3 meters in diameter, 1 meter in height, and weighing 330 kilograms—one of the largest in Japan. This drum drum serves as a symbol of the temple and attracts many worshippers and tourists.
Access Information
Located near Otaru Shoryo High School, it is accessible by bus or taxi from JR Otaru Station. It is also relatively close to the city center, making it easy to incorporate into sightseeing routes.
Ryutoku-ji Temple in Ishikari City
Basic Information
Ryutoku-ji Temple, located at 424 Hanakawa, Ishikari City, Hokkaido, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple. The head priest is Mr. Chisato Okuyama, and it serves as a center of local faith.
Opening Hours and Access
The temple is open from 9:00 to 17:00. It is approximately 4.0 kilometers from Shin-Kotoni Station on the JR Sassho Line and conveniently located a 3-minute walk from the Kounan Elementary School bus stop. Parking is available, making it accessible by car.
Ryutoku-ji Temple (Seichōzan Ryutoku-ji) in Shinhidaka Town
Hokkaido Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage Sites
Located at 4-3-1 Shizunai Honcho, Shinhidaka Town, Seichōzan Ryutoku-ji Temple is known as the 29th temple of the Hokkaido Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage.
Sacred Image and Principal Deity
The sacred image is Batō Kannon Bodhisattva, and the principal deity is Dainichi Nyorai. Batō Kannon Bodhisattva is worshipped as the guardian deity of horses and is revered as a powerful bodhisattva that crushes worldly desires.
Location and Contact Information
〒056-0016 4-3-1 Shizunai Honcho, Shinhidaka Town
Phone Number: 0146-42-0503
As a sacred site visited by pilgrims and worshippers, it attracts the faith of the local community.
Ryutoku-ji Temple (Manshozan Ryutoku-ji) in Tottori Prefecture
Historical Background
Ryutoku-ji Temple (also written as Ryutoku-ji), located in Wakasa-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple with the mountain name Manshozan. This temple is known as the family temple of Yamazaki Iemori and his family, who ruled Wakasa-juku as the lord of Wakasa Onigajo Castle from the late Sengoku period to the early Edo period.
Principal Image and Subsidiary Buddhas
The principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha, with Kannon Bodhisattva as a subsidiary Buddha. As a Zen Buddhist temple, it has also functioned as a place for Zen meditation practice.
Historical Value
Ryutoku-ji Temple is a valuable example of late Edo period temple architecture and is considered an important cultural property that tells the history of Wakasa-cho. It is also registered in location databases and is attracting attention as a potential filming location for period dramas.
Access Information
Location: Wakasa, Wakasa-cho, Yazu-gun, Tottori Prefecture
Located in the heart of Wakasa-cho, it can be visited in conjunction with historical tourist spots such as the Wakasa Onigajo Castle Ruins.
Ryutoku-ji Temple in Gifu Prefecture
Ancient Temple of the Rinzai Myoshin-ji School
Ryutoku-ji Temple, located in Gifu Prefecture, is an ancient temple belonging to the Rinzai Myoshin-ji School, and is said to have been founded during the Konin era (810-824).
Burial Site of Samurai
This temple is known for housing the graves of many samurai, including Ikeda Tsuneoki and his son Motosuke. Ikeda Tsuneoki was a Sengoku period samurai who served Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Ryutoku-ji Temple played an important role as his family temple.
Access
Conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Kita-Ikeno Station, it offers easy access for visitors. It is a popular spot for history buffs and tourists visiting sites associated with samurai.
Ryutoku-ji Temple, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Founding and History
Ryutoku-ji Temple, located in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1647 (Shoho 4). It was founded by Ryusui, the second abbot of Tentoku-in Temple, with the monk Joryu as its founder.
History of Restoration
Although it was uninhabited for a period, it was restored by Ryoin, the fifth abbot of Tentoku-in Temple. This history of restoration is interesting as an example of the rise and fall and revival of temples during the Edo period.
Temple Culture of Kanazawa
Kanazawa, as a castle town of the Kaga domain (with a million koku of rice production), was a region where many temples were built, and Ryutoku-ji Temple was one of them, supporting the local faith.
Ryutoku-ji Temple in Osaka Prefecture
Basic Information
Ryutoku-ji Temple, located at 3-14 Rokumantai-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, is a Rinzai Zen Myoshin-ji school temple. The head priest is Mr. Yasumichi Kuwayama.
Urban Temples
Located in the heart of the metropolis of Osaka, this is one of the urban temples that provides a quiet place for spiritual practice and faith. In the historic Tennoji Ward, it plays a role as a spiritual pillar for the local residents.
About the Sect of Ryutoku-ji Temple
Soto Zen Ryutoku-ji Temples
Most Ryutoku-ji temples throughout Japan belong to the Soto Zen sect. The Soto Zen sect is a branch of Japanese Zen Buddhism founded by Zen Master Dogen, and emphasizes “Shikantaza,” a form of seated meditation.
Ryutoku-ji temples in Otaru City and Ishikari City in Hokkaido, Wakasa Town in Tottori Prefecture, and Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture belong to the Soto Zen sect and play a role in spreading Zen teachings in their respective regions.
Rinzai Zen Ryutoku-ji Temples
Ryutoku-ji temples in Gifu Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture belong to the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai sect. Rinzai Zen Buddhism was founded by Zen Master Eisai and is characterized by its practice using koans. The Myoshinji branch is the largest branch of Rinzai Zen and has many branch temples throughout Japan.
Etiquette for Visiting Ryutoku-ji Temple
Basic Temple Manners
When visiting a temple, it is important to observe the following basic manners:
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow at the temple gate before entering the temple grounds.
- Purification at the Water Basin: If there is a water basin, purify your hands and mouth.
- Worship at the Main Hall: Join your hands in prayer in front of the main hall and offer your prayers quietly.
- Consideration for Photography: Permission may be required to photograph the interior of the main hall or Buddha statues.
- Respectful Attitude: Be quiet on the temple grounds and be considerate so as not to disturb the practice.
Etiquette Specific to Zen Temples
Soto Zen and Rinzai Zen temples sometimes hold Zen meditation sessions and sutra copying sessions. If you wish to participate, we recommend contacting the temple in advance.
Ryutoku-ji Temple and Local Culture
Role as a Family Temple
Many Ryutoku-ji temples were founded as family temples for influential local figures and samurai warriors. The Ryutoku-ji in Tottori Prefecture is the family temple of the Yamazaki family, and the Ryutoku-ji in Gifu Prefecture is the family temple of the Ikeda family, preserving the history of each family to this day.
Value as a Tourist Resource
Each Ryutoku-ji temple, such as the giant wooden fish drum at Otaru’s Ryutoku-ji and the historical buildings at Tottori’s Ryutoku-ji, functions as a tourist spot with its own unique charm. It attracts many tourists as a place to experience local history and culture.
Base for Pilgrimage
Ryutoku-ji in Shinhidaka Town is a pilgrimage site for the 33 Kannon pilgrimage sites of Hokkaido, and is an object of faith for pilgrims. Pilgrimage is one of Japan’s traditional religious cultures, and Ryutoku-ji is one of its important bases.
Architecture and Cultural Assets of Ryutoku-ji Temple
Edo Period Architectural Style
The main hall of Ryutoku-ji Temple in Otaru is a valuable building that preserves the architectural style from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period. It is an important resource for understanding the architectural techniques and styles of that time.
Buddhist Statues and Buddhist Artifacts
Each Ryutoku-ji temple houses its own principal image and auxiliary Buddhas. Various Buddhist deities, such as Shakyamuni Buddha, Dainichi Nyorai, and Kannon Bodhisattva, are enshrined, each serving as an object of worship.
The distinctive Buddhist artifacts, such as the large mokugyo (wooden fish drum) in Otaru, are also important elements that express the individuality of each temple.
Events and Activities at Ryutoku-ji Temple
Annual Events
Many annual events are held at Ryutoku-ji Temple, including the following:
- New Year’s Day Prayer: A Buddhist service praying for peace in the new year
- Spring and Autumn Equinox Services: A memorial service for ancestors
- Obon Memorial Service: A service to honor ancestors during the Obon festival
- New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing: Ringing a bell on New Year’s Eve to dispel worldly desires
Zen Meditation and Sutra Copying Sessions
Ryutoku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple, regularly holds Zen meditation and sutra copying sessions. These are often open to the public, providing a valuable opportunity to experience Zen practice.
Community Interaction
Ryutoku-ji Temple also functions as a center of the local community and is sometimes used as a venue for festivals and cultural events.
Summary of Access Methods to Ryutokuji Temple
Hokkaido
Ryutokuji Temple, Otaru City
- Bus or taxi from JR Otaru Station
- Near Otaru Shoryo High School
Ryutokuji Temple, Ishikari City
- Approximately 4.0km from JR Sassho Line Shinkotoni Station
- 3-minute walk from Kounan Elementary School bus stop
- Parking available
Ryutokuji Temple, Shinhidaka Town
- 4-3-1 Shizunai Honmachi, Shinhidaka Town, Hokkaido 056-0016
- Phone: 0146-42-0503
Tottori Prefecture
Ryutokuji Temple, Wakasa Town
- Wakasa, Wakasa Town, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture
- Central Wakasa Town
Gifu Prefecture
Ryutokuji Temple
- 5-minute walk from Kitaikeno Station
Osaka Prefecture
Ryutokuji Temple, Tennoji Ward
- 3-14 Rokumantai-cho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka City
Points to Note When Visiting Ryutoku-ji Temple
Visiting Hours
Opening hours vary depending on the Ryutoku-ji temple. While Ryutoku-ji in Ishikari City is clearly stated as being open from 9:00 to 17:00, it is recommended to check the hours of other temples in advance.
Attire
Please dress appropriately for temple visits. Avoid revealing or flashy clothing; modest attire is preferable.
Photography
Photography within the temple grounds is generally permitted, but permission may be required before photographing the interior of the main hall or Buddha statues.
Offerings and Donations
It is customary to offer a donation (obutsume) when visiting a temple. Furthermore, if requesting special prayers or memorial services, an offering (obuse) is appropriate.
The Future of Ryutoku-ji Temple
Preservation of Cultural Properties
The preservation of historical buildings like the main hall of Ryutoku-ji Temple in Otaru is a crucial issue for the future. Appropriate maintenance and management are required to pass on the region’s history to future generations.
Collaboration with Local Communities
In modern society, temples are expected to play a role not merely as religious institutions, but as the core of local communities. Ryutoku-ji Temple is also exploring the role of temples in a new era while deepening its collaboration with local communities.
Utilization as a Tourism Resource
Ryutoku-ji temples throughout Japan are attracting attention as tourism resources due to their historical and cultural value. They are expected to contribute to the promotion of local tourism while also fulfilling their original role as religious institutions.
Summary
Temples named Ryutoku-ji exist throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Osaka, each with its own unique history and characteristics. Many are Zen Buddhist temples, such as those of the Soto and Rinzai schools, and have played important roles as centers of local faith and as historical and cultural assets.
Each Ryutoku-ji temple, such as the giant wooden fish in Otaru, the family temple associated with a samurai in Tottori, and the Ikeda family burial ground in Gifu, has a unique charm worth visiting. When visiting for worship or sightseeing, it is important to understand the history and characteristics of each temple and to observe appropriate manners.
Ryutoku-ji Temple, as a valuable institution that preserves Japanese Buddhist culture and local history, will undoubtedly continue to attract the faith and interest of many people.
