Ryugeji Temple
Discover Ryugeji Temple, a serene Nichiren sect temple boasting ancient botanical wonders, stunning Mt. Fuji views, and intricate ceiling art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear Mt. Fuji views
Ryugeji Temple
Best Time
Best chance for clear Mt. Fuji views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ryugeji Temple, a serene Nichiren sect temple boasting ancient botanical wonders, stunning Mt. Fuji views, and intricate ceiling art.
"A beautiful temple with ancient plants, impressive ceiling art, and a chance to see Mt. Fuji."
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Visit before noon for optimal Mt. Fuji views and to avoid afternoon shadows on the temple grounds.
🚗 Car or Bus Recommended
Parking is available. Buses from Shimizu Station are infrequent; consider a car for easier access.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.1 · 133 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Mt. Fuji Views
Temple grounds
Gaze upon the iconic Mt. Fuji from elevated spots within the temple grounds, especially on clear days.
Ancient Cycads and Cacti
Temple gardens
Marvel at Japan's largest and oldest cycad, plus the nation's oldest cactus, unique botanical treasures.
Intricate Ceiling Paintings
Main Hall
Be captivated by the 178 magnificent paintings adorning the ceiling of the main hall, a true artistic masterpiece.
Serene Strolling Gardens
Throughout the temple grounds
Wander through beautifully maintained gardens designed for visitor enjoyment, offering peaceful contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Accessing This Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Visit before noon for optimal Mt. Fuji views and to avoid afternoon shadows on the temple grounds.
🚗 Car or Bus Recommended
Parking is available. Buses from Shimizu Station are infrequent; consider a car for easier access.
🎫 Admission Fee
There's a modest admission fee (around 400 yen) for adults to explore the grounds.
🍃 Peaceful Atmosphere
Enjoy the serene ambiance, especially on weekdays or holidays when crowds are thinner.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Visit before noon for optimal Mt. Fuji views and to avoid afternoon shadows on the temple grounds.
🚗 Car or Bus Recommended
Parking is available. Buses from Shimizu Station are infrequent; consider a car for easier access.
🎫 Admission Fee
There's a modest admission fee (around 400 yen) for adults to explore the grounds.
🍃 Peaceful Atmosphere
Enjoy the serene ambiance, especially on weekdays or holidays when crowds are thinner.
📜 Goshuin Stamps
Collect unique Goshuin (temple stamps) as a special memento of your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ryugeji Temple for its stunning Mt. Fuji views, unique ancient botanical specimens like cycads and cacti, and the magnificent ceiling paintings in the main hall. The well-maintained strolling gardens offer a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation. While access requires a car or bus, the serene experience and historical significance make it a worthwhile visit.
"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."
七面鳥放浪記
"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."
のぶさん
"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."
YOU HoNo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ryugeji Temple is accessible by car or bus. From JR Shimizu Station, you can take a bus bound for Kunozanshita and alight at the Ryugeji bus stop. However, buses can be infrequent, so driving is often recommended for convenience, with ample parking available.
Yes, Ryugeji Temple is located near Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. Many visitors combine visits to both, with some suggesting visiting the shrine first thing in the morning and then stopping by Ryugeji Temple.
While buses are an option from Shimizu Station, they are not very frequent. Many visitors find traveling by car to be more convenient, especially since there is a large parking lot available at the temple.
Public transport is available via bus from JR Shimizu Station to the Ryugeji bus stop. However, it's advisable to check bus schedules in advance as they may not run frequently.
Absolutely! Ryugeji Temple is a worthwhile stop after visiting Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. The temple grounds offer a peaceful contrast and unique sights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an admission fee for adults, typically around 400 yen. This fee grants access to the temple grounds and gardens.
While specific hours can vary, the temple is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit before noon for optimal views and a peaceful experience.
Yes, you can purchase admission tickets and temple seal fees at the reception desk located just past the temple gate. A ticket machine is available for convenience.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but the standard adult admission fee is quite reasonable at around 400 yen.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Ryugeji Temple. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the reception desk.
📸 📸 Photography
The elevated spots within the temple grounds offer excellent vantage points for capturing Mt. Fuji. The gardens and the main hall with its ceiling paintings are also highly photogenic.
Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, but it's always good practice to be respectful. Check for any specific signage regarding photography inside the main hall.
A camera capable of capturing landscapes and details would be ideal. Wide-angle lenses are great for the gardens and Mt. Fuji views, while a good zoom can capture the intricate ceiling paintings.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Mornings, especially in winter, offer the best light for photographing Mt. Fuji. Late afternoons can also be beautiful for garden shots, though shadows may appear.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Ryugeji Temple boasts stunning views of Mt. Fuji, ancient cycads and cacti, intricate ceiling paintings in the main hall, and beautifully maintained strolling gardens.
Yes, the temple grounds are largely composed of a well-maintained strolling garden, making it perfect for a peaceful and leisurely walk.
Yes, there are several places to sit and relax within the temple grounds, allowing visitors to rest and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Ryugeji Temple is a Nichiren sect temple with a history spanning over 1200 years, known for its unique botanical specimens and artistic treasures.
Yes, the main hall is open to the public, allowing visitors to enter and admire the magnificent ceiling paintings and the overall ambiance.
🎫 🌸 Seasonal Attractions
While beautiful year-round, winter mornings offer the best chance for clear views of Mt. Fuji. Spring can be lovely with blossoms, and autumn provides pleasant weather for exploring the gardens.
While not its primary attraction, the temple grounds can be beautiful in spring, potentially with some cherry blossoms adding to the scenery.
Winter days can be cool, but clear skies are more common, making it ideal for viewing Mt. Fuji. Visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid shadows.
Yes, the gardens are enjoyable in summer, offering a shaded retreat. However, visiting earlier in the day is advisable due to the heat.
Information on specific events is limited, but the temple is known for its historical sermons, such as ghost story sermons.
Social
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