Keirinji

Keirinji, in Tsuru City, Yamanashi, is an old Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch founded in 1393 during the Muromachi period. Known as Fushunzan Keirinji, it is said to have been opened when the local lord of the time deeply embraced the teachings of a Zen master he had studied under at Kenchoji in Kamakura, and it is a calm temple with a long history. Known also as a noted spot for water lilies, it has recently drawn attention as a lesser-known power spot.

Behind the main hall lies a small pond called Kanouga Pond. Tradition holds that at its founding a dragon appeared during a prayer for rain and made the rain fall, and from this it came to be called the pond that grants wishes. Beside it is enshrined Benzaiten, said to bring wealth, and an increasing number of visitors now pray for good bonds as well as fortune.

Highlights

• A historic Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch founded in the Muromachi period
• The wish-granting Kanouga Pond and the legend of the dragon
• Benzaiten who brings wealth, with blessings of fortune and good bonds
• The beautiful sight of water lilies blooming in early summer

Enjoying the Seasons

Keirinji is known as a noted spot for water lilies, and from early to late June each year one delicate flower after another opens on the pond behind the main hall, delighting visitors. The water lilies begin to open before noon and close by evening, so during the peak season it is best to visit in the morning. Spring brings fresh green and autumn brings colored leaves to the grounds, so its face changes with each season. In winter you can worship slowly in the crisp air of a hushed precinct.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kanai, Tsuru City, Yamanashi
• Nearest station: Tsurushi Station on the Fujikyuko Line
• Access: About 5 minutes by taxi from Tsurushi Station; about 20 minutes on foot from the Chuo-do Tsuru highway bus stop on the Fuji Five Lakes line; about 3 minutes by car from the Tsuru interchange
• Parking: About 20 spaces for standard cars (large vehicles cannot enter)
• Admission: Free, the grounds are open

Practical Travel Notes

• The best season is June when the water lilies bloom. The flowers open before noon and close by evening, so a morning visit is recommended
• The grounds can be viewed freely thanks to the head priest, but please keep quiet and mind your manners
• A visit with lily viewing takes about an hour. Paired with a stroll through the castle town of Tsuru, it makes for a relaxed half-day trip
• Around Tsurushi Station remain historic sites connected to water and the streetscape of the old castle town, pleasant to walk together
• Admission is free. Even with a meal or tea nearby, you can spend a relaxed time on a modest budget

A Quick Tip

Water lilies open in the morning, so during the peak season visit early to enjoy them at their finest. Put your wish quietly into Kanouga Pond and press your palms together before Benzaiten. Pairing the visit with a stroll through the castle town of Tsuru makes for a leisurely trip.

📚 Sources

This article draws on the guidance of Keirinji, tourism information from Tsuru City, explanations of its origins as an old Rinzai Myoshinji-school temple and of Kanaigaike Pond and Benzaiten, and information on the water-lily peak. The lily peak, precinct viewing, and car-park situation vary by season and year. Since fees and times may change, please confirm the temples or citys official information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Best time: June is the water-lily peak; the flowers open before noon and close by evening, so come in the morning.
• Etiquette: The precinct is open by the head priests goodwill, so please view it quietly and with respect.
• Estimated time: About an hour to visit and see the lilies, becoming a half-day trip with a Tsuru castle-town walk.
• Parking: There is room for about 20 cars; large vehicles cannot enter.
• Nearby stops: Combine with the water-related sites and castle-town streets around Tsuru-shi Station.