Ryuzoji Temple, a Hidden Power Spot in Yamaguchi City

About 10 minutes by car from Yuda Onsen in Yamaguchi City, the mountain-set Ryuzoji is an ancient temple of the Omuro branch of the Shingon school, preserving a long history. Long cherished by locals as a spot for autumn foliage and as a power spot, its grounds are filled with sights, including a giant ginkgo designated a National Natural Monument and the Tsuzumi Falls, one of the three famous waterfalls of Yamaguchi, making it feel like a mystic retreat. The principal image enshrined here is Amida Nyorai.

Highlights

• The overwhelming presence of the great ginkgo, designated a National Natural Monument
• The Tsuzumi Falls, divided into three tiers with a narrowed middle that resembles a hand drum
• A pond garden said to have been designed by the master painter Sesshu
• A precinct full of stillness and mystery nurtured by long history

The great ginkgo hangs numerous aerial roots from its base, and this form is said to have long attracted prayers for children and safe childbirth. Following the path deeper into the grounds, the Tsuzumi Falls, counted among the three famous waterfalls of Yamaguchi, sends out a cool sound of water.

Enjoying the Seasons

In autumn the great ginkgo turns golden and, together with the foliage, the grounds come alive. Spring brings refreshing new greenery and blooming peonies. Summer offers coolness beside the falls, and the forest-wrapped path to the Tsuzumi Falls makes for pleasant walking in nature in every season. In winter you can spend deep, prayerful time in the hushed precinct.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Yoshiki, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• About 10 minutes by car from Yuda Onsen; about 20 minutes by car from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station
• About 15 minutes by car from the Ogori IC on the Chugoku Expressway
• Also known as a temple for pet memorial services
• Foliage is at its best from mid to late November

Practical Travel Notes

A mountain path leads to the Tsuzumi Falls, so comfortable shoes are recommended, and take care as the path can be slippery after rain. The temple also preserves Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, making it a hidden spot to quietly enjoy history and nature. Its closeness to Yuda Onsen means you can pair a visit with the hot spring for a day of healing and prayer.

A Quick Tip

November, when the great ginkgo turns color, is especially worth seeing, so a visit then to enjoy both foliage and falls is the top recommendation. Take your time walking the grounds, where the highlights are concentrated: the National Natural Monument ginkgo, the Tsuzumi Falls of Yamaguchi, and the garden linked to Sesshu.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the temple tradition and precinct guidance of Ryuzoji, together with sightseeing information published by Yamaguchi City and its tourism association. Materials on the great ginkgo designated a national natural monument were also consulted. Visiting hours and autumn-foliage conditions may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the visit and a stroll of the precincts.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes help for walking the mountain precincts.
• Getting around: Proceeding from the gate to the main hall, tour highlights such as the great ginkgo natural monument.
• Seasonal appeal: Known for autumn foliage, the colored precincts are enjoyable in fall.
• Note: A quiet old temple, it suits an unhurried visit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: 1750 Yoshiki, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 753-0811 (telephone 083-924-1357)
• Viewing hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Ryuzoji Temple official website). The Yamaguchi City tourism website gives them as "April to October 8:00-17:30 / November to March 8:30-17:00"
• Admission: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for junior and senior high school students, 50 yen for elementary school students
• Closed: Open all year round
• Parking: 40 spaces for general vehicles. Large buses should inquire in advance, as the road is narrow
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from Yuda Onsen / about 15 minutes by car from JR Yamaguchi Station / about 20 minutes by car from the Shinkansen exit of JR Ogori (Shin-Yamaguchi) Station / about 15 minutes by car from the Ogori IC on the Chugoku Expressway
• Sect and pilgrimage site: Ryuzoji Temple, Rotozan, of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism. The 17th site on the Chugoku Kannon Pilgrimage
• Highlights through the year: Peonies (best from mid to late April) / Mantoe lantern ceremony (August 16) / Tsuzumi Festival (second Saturday of November, with a goma fire ritual and taiko drum dedication in front of Tsuzumi Falls) / autumn colors (best from mid-November to early December) / winter peonies (best from mid-January to early February) / goma fire ritual on the monthly feast day of Fudo Myoo (the 28th of every month)

* Training experiences such as waterfall meditation, zazen and shojin cuisine have conditions regarding group size and fees, so please contact Ryuzoji Temple in advance.

(Sources: Ryuzoji Temple official website, Yamaguchi City tourism website "Nishi-no-Kyo Yamaguchi" (Yamaguchi City Tourism Exchange Division / Yamaguchi Tourism and Convention Association), Yamaguchi Prefecture Tourism Federation official website "Oidemase Yamaguchi", Chugoku Kannon Pilgrimage Association official website)