Ryusenji

On the mid slopes of Mount Ryuo in Shimoashimori, northern Okayama City, Ryusenji is the head temple of the Saijo school of Nichiren Buddhism, surrounded by nature. Its greatest highlight is the Ryuo Pond spreading across the grounds and the vermilion torii standing solemnly on its surface. The pond is so vast it takes nearly forty minutes to walk around, and the scene it forms with the torii has a mystical beauty, as if you have wandered into another world.

Ryuo Pond is enshrined as the sacred body of the eight great dragon kings, deities of water. Its origins are said to reach back before the common era, and a dragon legend tells of water made to spring forth by piercing a rock at the mountaintop.

Highlights

- The vermilion torii standing on Ryuo Pond. Its reflection on the water is especially beautiful and known as a photogenic spot. - Ryuo Pond, enshrining the dragon kings as deities of water. It is an object of faith for prayers for rain and bountiful harvests. - The nature rich grounds. Other deities are also enshrined here, and you can worship in quiet.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring fresh greenery softly colors the area around the pond. In summer the green deepens and you can stroll while feeling the cool of the waterside. In autumn it becomes a little known foliage spot, and the vermilion torii, the coloring trees, and the blue sky reflected on the water make a breathtaking sight. In winter you can tour the quiet grounds slowly in clear air.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Shimoashimori, Kita Ward, Okayama City, Okayama - By car: about ten minutes from the Okayama Soja Interchange on the Okayama Expressway, and about ten minutes from Okayama Airport. - By train: about ten minutes by car from Ashimori Station on the JR Momotaro Line. - There is a walking path around the pond to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

A Quick Tip

Walking around Ryuo Pond takes a fair amount of time, so visit in comfortable clothing. The foliage season can get crowded, so an early morning visit lets you savor the quiet water and torii. Many worshippers come in dragon years and on dragon days, as this is a place with deep dragon connections.