Ryugeji Temple, Shizuoka

As the mountain name "Kan Toyama" suggests, Mt. Fuji can be seen beautifully from the high ground within the temple grounds. There is the largest and oldest of the three major cycads in Japan, as well as the oldest cactus in Japan, both of which are well worth seeing. Another attraction is that you can take your time to appreciate them from any direction you like. Most of the temple grounds are made up of a strolling garden, and you can see the ingenuity put into the enjoyment of visitors everywhere. Perhaps the good weather allowed for a clear view of Mt. Fuji, but it is a good temple where you can worship comfortably. Although it is off the train line, it is surprisingly easy to access. Take a bus bound for Kunozanshita from JR Shimizu Station or Shizutetsu Shinshimizu Station, and get off at the Ryugeji bus stop. Kunozanshita is the closest bus stop to the entrance to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine's main approach, and you can enjoy the spectacular view of Suruga Bay while worshiping. Recently, many people seem to take the ropeway via Nihon-daira to worship, but if you can walk normally, it is definitely more atmospheric to go via Omotesando. It would be nice to visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine first thing in the morning, and then stop by Ryugeji Temple. The grounds of Ryugeji Temple face east, with the mountains rising to the west at its back, so the shadows fall on the grounds as the sun goes down. When I visited just after 2 p.m. on a winter day, the area around the cycads and cacti was mostly in the shade. If I have another opportunity, I would like to visit before noon.

I visited Ryugeji Temple in Kiyomizu (^^)/. As soon as I passed through the temple gate, I found the reception desk, where I was able to pay the admission fee and temple seal fee at the ticket machine. There was a small rest area called the Temple Cafe at the reception, but it was closed today. The grounds were very spacious, well-maintained, and had a dignified feel. I was also able to enter the main hall, and the painting on the ceiling was a masterpiece.

There is an admission fee. The 178 ceiling paintings are magnificent. The garden is also very beautiful. There is a great spot to see Mt. Fuji, but unfortunately on this day we could only see a small part of it. As it is a Nichiren sect temple, we were given a pre-written theme.

The anime “Haruchika” will be released in May 2024. Visited on a stage tour. It is read as "Ryuugeji". Access is by car or bus. At that time, I went by bus, There are not that many trains coming from Shimizu Station. It might be better to visit by car. The parking lot is quite large. I visited in the afternoon on a holiday, There weren't many people, so I was able to watch it in peace. Admission fee is 400 yen per adult. You can get a route map at the entrance. If you follow the route, you won't get lost, The top of the mountain is a graveyard If you take the normal route There's no need to go there. (Although the view from the top is good) The inside of the main hall was also open to the public, and visitors were free to come and go. There are several places where you can sit and relax. Cooling down here until it's time for the bus It was also nice to spend time there.

I visited for the first time in about 50 years, and it's a truly magnificent temple. There are large cycads and cacti. It seems there are many different types of goshuin stamps. I visited the temple to hear Daiun Miki's ghost story sermon.