Ryusenji

In Shimoashimori, Kita Ward, northern Okayama City, Ryusenji is the head temple of the Saijo teaching of the Nichiren school of Buddhism, surrounded by nature. It is an old temple said to have been founded in the Tenpyo Shoho era of the Nara period by the priest Hoon Daishi, and it changed to the Nichiren school in the Edo period. 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. A dragon legend tells of water made to spring forth by piercing a rock at the mountaintop, and other deities are also enshrined in the grounds.

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.

Practical Travel Notes

• The path around Ryuo Pond has ups and downs and passes through wooded sections. Comfortable shoes, and insect repellent depending on the season, make the walk pleasant.
• This is a quiet temple in the hills, and there are few restaurants or shops nearby. It is reassuring to prepare drinks in advance.
• If you wish to photograph the torii reflected on the water, early morning when the wind is weak and the surface is calm is the time to aim for.
• It is easy to reach by car from central Okayama and the Kibiji sights, so you can build a worship route together with Saijo Inari and Kibitsu Shrine.

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.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the history and on-site guidance of Ryusenji and on materials from Okayama City and the Okayama City Tourism Association. Statements about it being the head temple of the Nichiren-shu Saijo school, the faith in the Ryuo Pond and the eight dragon kings, and the vermilion torii rest on such histories and public materials. Because access times and trail conditions may change, please confirm current details with official sources such as the Okayama City Tourism Association before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The loop trail around Ryuo Pond has ups and downs and takes close to forty minutes at a slow pace; allow about one hour including the visit.
• What to bring: Wear comfortable shoes since part of the route passes through woodland, and insect repellent is handy depending on the season.
• Getting around: About ten minutes by car from the Okayama-Soja interchange, about ten minutes from Okayama Airport, and about ten minutes by car from JR Ashimori Station.
• Nearby dining: Eateries and shops are scarce nearby, so bring drinks in advance.
• Photo tip: To capture the torii reflected on the water, an early morning when the wind is light and the surface is calm is best.