Located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ryugeji Temple is a remarkably beautiful temple nestled at the foot of the scenic Nihondaira, where history and nature harmonize.
■ Principal Image
The Great Mandala
*A principal image depicted in calligraphy, a symbol of Nichiren Buddhism faith.
■ Roots
Founded in 1670 (Kanbun 10) by Nichikon Shonin, a Nichiren Buddhist monk.
It has deep ties to the Tokugawa family and boasts a distinguished history, having developed under the patronage of the Kishu Tokugawa family (the first shogun, Yorinobu, and his mother, Yojuin).
■ Dramatic Origin of the Principal Image (and the Temple)
The founding of Ryugeji Temple strongly reflects the **"passion and artistry"** of its founder, Nichikon Shonin.
• Kannon-yama Mountain and Cacti: Nichikin Shonin not only spread the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, but also sought to find the world of Buddha in nature. The symbol of this is the **"Giant Cactus"**, which is still designated a national natural monument. It is said that the Shonin planted it over 300 years ago to express "the compassion of Kannon-yama Mountain," and this dramatic sensibility of viewing plants as part of Buddhist teachings has been passed down to this day.
• A Place Beloved by Literary Figures: With its spectacular views of Mount Fuji, this temple has attracted many poets and writers since ancient times. The story of Takayama Chogyu, who loved this place and chose it as his final resting place, speaks volumes about the soul-stirring beauty of this temple.
■ Sect
Nichiren Buddhism
■ Availability of Goshuin (Temple Seal)
Yes
(Normally, in the Nichiren sect, this is called "Goshudai," and the characters "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo" are inscribed. If your notebook contains Goshuin from other sects, you may receive a regular Goshuin.)
■ When to Get a Goshuin
• Location: Temple office (reception) next to the main hall
• Time: Approximately 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
*Please allow ample time for your visit, as Goshuin may not be available due to religious services or events.
■ Highlights
Ryugeji Temple is also famous as a "temple of gardens," and its highlights are concentrated in this area.
1. Kannon-yama (Garden): A nationally registered monument (scenic spot). A magnificent garden with Mount Fuji as a borrowed landscape, where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons.
2. Large Cactus and Large Cycad: Nationally natural monuments. The cacti, in particular, are breathtaking, towering over the wooden dome as if protected by it.
3. Grave of Takayama Chogyu: This is the grave of Takayama Chogyu, a thinker from the Meiji era, and a memorial hall is also located here.
4. Connection to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine: The temple possesses many treasures associated with the Tokugawa family, making it irresistible to history buffs.
It's a bit inconvenient to get to by train, but it's a temple well worth visiting. If you're driving, there's a large parking lot, so it's easy to get there. Mount Fuji was absolutely beautiful from there. The entrance fee is 400 yen, but the building is magnificent, and you could spend hours admiring the vibrant paintings, Buddha statues, sliding doors, and fittings inside. The garden is spacious, and you can see many plants, including beautifully grown cycads, cacti, pines, and linden trees. Apparently, there are also many Japanese toads, so I'd like to come back in the summer to hear their croaking. You can sit on the veranda or chairs and relax. I was soothed by the sound of wind chimes. It was quiet and peaceful, probably because it was a weekday. They offered me tea when I left. 2025.11
The last time I visited, it was too late so I couldn't see the exhibits, so this time I went with my husband on a Sunday 🙌⤴️⤴️
After passing through the main gate, there's the temple office where you buy your admission tickets and proceed. After purifying yourself at the water basin, you can enter the main hall ☝️ Inside, the ceiling is covered with paintings‼️ (The names of the donors are included, so I intentionally took the photo in reverse) On the walls, there were paintings of the Nirvana and the birth of Emperor Showa on the left and right sides 😄
Moving from the main hall to the building next door, there are exhibits of history and photographs, and there was even a photograph of Emperor Showa before his enthronement 🤔 After finishing looking around inside, I walked around outside and saw a sign by a large cactus that said there's also a Longhua Temple in Shanghai, which explains why the ceiling paintings were Chinese in style 🙆 There were also graves of great people (sorry... I forgot their names) You can also walk to the top, and the view of Mt. Fuji from there was absolutely beautiful 🤩🤩🤩
Near the exit, there were lots of beautiful carp, and you can buy carp food at the office to feed them ☝️ (there are two locations, so please share ☺️)
I had ice cream at the temple office, chatted with the shopkeeper, and bought a pre-printed goshuin (temple stamp), spending a relaxing time 😄 The entrance fee and goshuin together cost about ¥800 per person. There is a parking lot in front of the main gate.
Beautiful temple in Shizuoka. Tranquil, it exudes the harmony and peace you seek. A lovely building and a beautiful collection of Buddha paintings. The temple staff were incredibly kind and attentive. Excellent.
I happened to pass by this temple and it looked interesting, so I stopped in.
The ceiling paintings, cacti, and the view from the hilltop were impressive.
The fortune slips here are quite unique, and although they're a bit pricey at 500 yen each, they make a great souvenir.
Also, I don't think this is something they do for all visitors, but perhaps because it was evening and not crowded, they kindly offered me tea at the temple cafe near the entrance as I was leaving.
