Zenpoji Temple is renowned as a sacred site for maritime protection, where thousands of fishermen and sailors visit annually to pray to Naga and Nagi, two divine serpents believed to reside there. Established in 938, it serves as one of the larger Soto Sect Zen Buddhist temples in the Yamagata region and is particularly significant for those seeking safe voyages and bountiful harvests from the sea.
Yes, visitors can participate in traditional Zen meditation sessions and Buddhist practices throughout the day. Morning prayers begin at 5:30 a.m., and reservations must be made at the reception desk in the main hall at least 20 minutes prior to each session. The temple welcomes both individual visitors and small groups interested in authentic Zen experiences.
Zenpoji Temple is located in Shimogawa Sekine, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, approximately 20 minutes by car from central Tsuruoka. While local buses run from Tsuruoka Station, renting a car is recommended for more convenient access to this mountainside location.
The temple does have an entrance fee, though payment arrangements may vary. Visitors should inquire about current fees and payment methods at the reception desk upon arrival at the main hall.
The temple features impressive plain wood structures that showcase complex carvings of flora and fauna. As a large Soto Sect temple, its wooden buildings demonstrate traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture while serving as an important center for Zen Buddhism in the Tohoku region.
Traveler reviews
Having been to many temples in many areas of Japan, we really enjoyed this one. Instead of overcrowded and smaller temples in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, this one is far more interesing and also more serene. You can walk around feeling all alone even on a weekend. The staff is very friendly and for a small fee you can see the inside and even enjoy a service. A fabulous temple in our opinion.
No, it's not as old nor as famous (at least to gai-jins) as other temples but I loved the serene atmopshere of this temple with the total lack of tourists.
Despite the aged looks, most of the structures are from the 19th C, including the five-story pagoda.
There is a pond a short walk from this temple where you can see (if you are lucky) a carp with a human face.
Beautiful temple flushed with history, art, and culture! The prayer service is amazing to watch too!
I can’t go here, but I saw how beautiful this place was in Assassins Creed Shadows
This temple is on Dragon, lots of fisher men come here, i also come here to protect me from dangerous waves, a little bit poisoned by commercialism so i gave them 4 stars
