To get to the Okunoin, you climb 354 stone steps.
With the tengu legends too, it feels like a kind of training.
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple
Affectionately known as “Doryo-san,” this historic Soto Zen temple was founded in the mid-Muromachi period and has more than 4,000 affiliated temples throughout Japan.
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This historic Soto Zen temple stands on the slopes of Mount Myojingatake in Hakone's outer rim. Founded in 1394 during the mid-Muromachi period, it has a history spanning approximately 600 years. It is one of the most prestigious Soto Zen temples after Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture and Sojiji Temple in Tsurumi, Yokohama, with more than 4,000 affiliated temples throughout Japan.
The temple was founded by Zen Master Ryoan Emyo, and its principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha. Locally, the temple is affectionately known as “Doryo-san.” The name comes from Doryo, a monk and disciple of Ryoan Emyo who played a major role in building the temple. According to legend, after his master's death, Doryo transformed into a tengu and flew away. He has since been enshrined as the temple's guardian deity. In connection with this legend, offerings found throughout the grounds include iron geta sandals of various sizes, including an enormous pair weighing 3.8 metric tons, as well as tengu fans.
More than 30 temple buildings stand throughout the grounds, centered around the Main Hall. Along the approximately 3 km approach from the Nio Gate is a dense avenue of cedar trees over 500 years old, designated as a prefectural Natural Monument. The seasonal scenery is another highlight, with weeping cherry blossoms and wisteria in spring, hydrangeas in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Highlights
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A historic Soto Zen temple founded in 1394, with more than 4,000 affiliated temples throughout Japan.
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Home to a tengu legend, with tengu statues and numerous pairs of tall geta sandals offered throughout the grounds.
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An avenue of cedar trees over 500 years old and seasonal flowers throughout the year.
Photos
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The Sanmon Gate, built in 2003 to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Zen Master Ryoan Emyo's death
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The Main Hall, rebuilt in 1954, was designed by Chuta Ito, one of the leading architects of Buddhist buildings during the Showa era
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The Great Tengu Statue, depicted as a mountain ascetic and believed to possess powerful supernatural abilities
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Pairs of tall geta sandals presented as offerings. Because geta function as a pair, they are associated with prayers for marital harmony
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One of Saijoji Temple's greatest floral highlights, typically blooming from early June and remaining at its best through early July
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The fall foliage reaches its peak as the chill of early winter sets in
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The autumn leaves here are absolutely stunning. The peaceful atmosphere really helps you relax and unwind.
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The temple is solemn and peaceful. Not many tourists visiting Hakone come here, but it's a great place to purify your mind.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 大雄山 最乗寺
- Postal Code
- 250-0127
- Address
- 1157 Daiyu-cho, Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Phone
- 0465-74-3121 (main line)
- Closed on
- Open year-round
- Hours
- 6:00 AM–4:00 PM (amulet office opens at 9:00 AM)
- Admission
- Free
- Access
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1) From Daiyuzan Station on the Izuhakone Railway, take a bus bound for Doryoson for approximately 10 minutes, get off at the last stop, and walk approximately 10 minutes
2) Approximately 25 minutes by car from the Odawara Interchange on the Seisho Bypass
3) Approximately 15 minutes by car from the Oi-Matsuda Interchange on the Tomei Expressway - Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)