What other travelers are saying about Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple
What a gem. Off the beaten path for most tourists this 14th century group of temples nestled in a 400 year old cedar forest is serene, enchanting, and thoroughly peaceful. Take the train to Daiyuzan, then walk through then suburb for about 1.5 miles. Then you get to walk another 1.5 miles but on a path through the 400 year old cedars. Magical. When you are done with the temples continue the short walk to the Only Yu Onsen. The combo makes for a fabulous day in Japan.
It's a different world. Up in the mountains away from the crowd and noise of the city. Did zen meditation（坐禅）which was so purifying! The priest had a great sense of humour as well! The young monks were very gentle as well!
The temple is a vast complex to explore - the highlights are the giant red flip flops or geta. The main temple has a very colorful hall with magenta and red decoration along with an ornate gold chandelier, very dramatic. The century old structures are well preserved and intricate. The winged and beak kami is different from other temples as well. Free parking is available. Overall, I will return in the fall, I saw many Japanese maple trees on site and it would be gorgeous during momiji season.
This is probably the best temple I've seen in Japan which is as form of Buddhism called Soutoushu. In Autumn the colors are amazing and set amongst an amazing forest the trees are incredibly big over 500 years old and really something out of a surreal fantasy movie. The temples and the entire precinct are amazing because they are set on a hillside and there are few steps to climb vut will and truly worth the visit. Again this Temple is set off the normal tourist beaten track and one for the locals but do yourself a favour and see this temple. Set in gold It's amazing and everything you think Japan should be, immaculate, heart felt and beautiful.
Literally one of my favourite places in the world. Temples scattered on the hillside among soaring cedar trees and an assortment of streams and water features. Beautiful in any season, but especially autumn for the colourful leaves. Similarly stunning in heavy rain and when covered in snow
The temple grounds are open daily from 6:00 to 16:00, with the amulet shop operating from 9:00 to 16:00. Admission to the temple is completely free. Visitors typically spend 1-2 hours exploring the extensive temple complex and forest grounds. Free parking is available with 250 spaces for those arriving by car.
Yes, Saijoji Temple offers various experiential activities for visitors. The temple conducts a two-night, three-day seminar where participants can experience Zen meditation and temple life. Additionally, zazen meditation sessions are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 10:00 AM. The temple also hosts seasonal festivals and cultural events throughout the year, providing opportunities to engage with Japanese Buddhist traditions.
Saijoji Temple offers a unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and mystical atmosphere. As one of the three most prestigious Soto Zen temples in Japan with over 4,000 branch temples nationwide, it holds major religious importance. The temple complex features more than 30 buildings nestled within an ancient cedar forest, with many trees exceeding 300 years old and some designated as natural monuments of Kanagawa Prefecture. The secluded mountain location provides a serene escape less than two hours from Tokyo, and the moss-covered forest creates an especially atmospheric experience during rain.
The temple holds a fire extinguishing ceremony in late autumn where the night sky is illuminated, marking wishes for the ending year and welcoming the new year. Saijoji also celebrates Setsubun with a traditional bean-throwing festival where participants receive fortune beans believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Throughout the year, various Buddhist ceremonies and cultural events take place, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese religious practices. The temple celebrates the Tanabata star festival where wishes are written on colored paper strips and attached to bamboo branches.
