Ryukouji Temple
shrines and temples
This is an old temple of the Tendai sect where Tenkai High Priest Priest is said to have been ordained. It was founded in 848 by the great priest Jikaku, and its principal image is the Amitabha Nyorai.
The tombs of Tenkai High Priest’s parents are located there, and it is written in historical books that the temple was deeply revered by the people and flourished.
Also enshrined within the precincts of the temple is Rinofudoson, one of the Aizu Goshiki Fudoson (five-color fudoson of Aizu), and it is said that Tenkai High Priest Priest prayed deeply for the fulfillment of the Buddhist teachings when he was ordained.
spot data
| Address | 2222-3 North Ko, Ryukoji, Aizumisato Town, Onuma County, Fukushima Prefecture MAP |
|---|---|
| Contact us | Dojusan Ryukoji Temple |
| TEL / FAX | TEL：0242-54-2446 |
見どころ
Ukimi Kannon Hachiyodo
Ukimi kannon is the Kannon associated with Tenkai High Priest, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu.
In 1559, when Funaki Hyotaro (later Tenkai High Priest) was 12 years old, he discovered a clay statue of the Kannon in a paddy field in a place called Ukime by a spirit dream.
He later made a wooden statue of the Kannon in imitation of this clay Buddha and enshrined the clay Buddha inside the womb.
Although Ukimi kannon is not included in the 33 Kannon of Aizu, Ukimi Kannon Hall was built on the grounds of Ryukouji Temple, and people continue to visit the temple.
One-character lotus base Lotus Sutra (National Treasure)
One of only three national treasures in Fukushima Prefecture, it is said to have taken 280 years to complete.
Each of the 69,384 characters of the sutra is represented as a Buddha, and the sutra is transcribed so that it is placed on a light-colored lotus pedestal.
The sutra is on a 9-meter-long sheet of precious paper, ruled with a silver border and 17 characters per line.
The lotus pedestal is decorated with colorful paintings of county blue, tan, greenish blue, silver, mud, and gold, and the sutra characters are carefully written in elegant Japanese-style fine block style in black ink.
Prior notice is required to visit the temple. A voluntary fee is required to view the temple.
※For the protection of cultural properties, the temple may not be open for viewing during inclement weather.
ancient lotus
The “lotus” in the Lotus Pond Kahoen on the grounds is an ancient lotus that has blossomed in modern times from seeds found in a lecture hall about 2,000 years ago.
Every summer, more than 20 kinds of lotuses bloom, attracting many tourists from all over Japan.
Best time to visit: Early to late July
Seated wooden statue of Tenkai High Priest
Seated statue of Tenkai High Priest in the main hall of Ryukouji Temple.
It is said that he opened his eyes at Kan’eiji Temple in 1714, and walked around the Aizu territory to offer offer prayers before his arrival.
Tomb of Tenkai High Priest’s Parents
Buried in the precincts of Ryukouji Temple in 1915, they were found, renovated, and reenshrined.
A pair of five-ringed pagodas with the name “Kagemitsu” engraved on the rings faintly remain.
They are designated as a historical site of the town.
