Dairyuji Temple: A Hidden Oga Power Spot with Japan Only Pagoda Doubling as a Bell Tower

Dairyuji Temple in Oga City is a Soto Zen temple with the mountain name Kaizozan. In its precincts stands the Ryuoden hall, a pagoda-style structure that also serves as a bell tower, and it is said to be the only pagoda in Japan that doubles as a bell tower, a very rare piece of architecture. Another highlight is its Rakusuitei garden, which borrows the Sea of Japan and the Ou Mountains into its scenery. Laid out as a villa of the Sawaki family from the late Meiji into the Taisho era and attributed to the garden designer Nagaoka Yasuhei, this garden shows a different face with every turn of the seasons, quietly soothing the hearts of those who visit. It is a calm power spot where the nature of Oga and the stillness of Zen are in harmony.

Highlights

• The Ryuoden hall, a pagoda-style structure doubling as a bell tower, said to be the only pagoda in Japan that also serves as a bell tower
• The Rakusuitei garden borrowing the Sea of Japan and the Ou Mountains
• A stroll-style pond garden attributed to Nagaoka Yasuhei, changing its face with each season
• The quiet, settled air of the precincts found only at a Zen temple

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the garden trees bud, and azaleas add their color. In summer the blue sea and green mountains shine, and lotus and crape myrtle come into flower. In autumn the garden trees take on color, making a splendid view together with the borrowed mountain range, and in winter the snow-clad garden shows a quiet charm. It is a garden whose beauty differs through all four seasons.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Funakawaminato, Oga City, Akita
• Train: About five minutes on foot from JR Oga Station
• Car: Close to the Oga Station area, with parking available
• For viewing the garden, it is reassuring to check the season and availability in advance
• It is recommended to tour along with other spots on the Oga Peninsula

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Spring, when azaleas bloom, and autumn, with its colored leaves, are especially beautiful. It is best to view the garden slowly during the calm daytime hours
• Time needed: About thirty minutes to an hour to view the garden and the Ryuoden at leisure
• Avoiding crowds: It is a quiet temple to begin with, but garden viewing may depend on the season, so confirming before your visit is surest
• Nearby real spots: With easy access from Oga Station, you can pair it with Akagami Shrine Gosha-do, the Oga Aquarium GAO, the Kanpuzan revolving observatory, and the Namahage Museum to tour the Oga Peninsula
• Budget sense: Ask the temple about viewing and any offerings. For peninsula sightseeing, allow for admission fees and transport

A Quick Tip

The Ryuoden hall said to be unique in Japan and the Rakusuitei garden that borrows sea and mountains are highlights worth gazing at slowly, taking your time. As the garden opening may change with the season, it is reassuring to check before you visit. The Oga Peninsula has many other sights, so an itinerary that tours them together over half a day is recommended.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Dairyuji, Oga city, and its tourism association. The notices for the Ryuo-den hall and the Rakusuitei garden, and on-site origin accounts, are also useful references. Because the garden's viewing availability and offering arrangements may differ by season, please confirm the latest details on the official Dairyuji information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 30 minutes to 1 hour to view the garden and the Ryuo-den at leisure.
• What to bring: The garden's opening status varies by season, so check before visiting. Confirm with the temple about viewing availability and offerings, and bring cash if needed.
• Suggested route: View the Ryuo-den, said to be the only one of its kind in Japan, and the Rakusuitei garden that borrows the Sea of Japan and the Ou Mountains as scenery, then combine the visit with Akagami Shrine Gosha-do, the Oga Aquarium GAO, the Kanpuzan revolving observatory, and the Namahage Museum to spend half a day on the peninsula.