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.

I visited in May 2024 while touring the locations of the anime "Haruchika." The name is pronounced "Ryugeji." Access is by car or bus. I took the bus back then, but since there aren't many buses from Shimizu Station, it's probably better to visit by car. The parking lot is quite large. I visited in the afternoon on a holiday, and there were few people there, so I was able to enjoy the view in peace. Admission is 400 yen per adult. You'll receive a route map at the entrance, so if you follow it, you shouldn't get lost. However, there's a cemetery at the top, so if you're following the normal route, there's no need to go all the way there. (The view from the top is beautiful, though.) The main hall is open to the public and you can enter and exit freely. There are several places to sit and relax, so it was nice to cool off here while waiting for your bus.

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.