Ryotanji Temple (Shizuoka Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Access Information for This Sacred Temple Associated with the Ii Clan
Ryotanji Temple (龍潭寺), located in Hiksa Town, Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an ancient temple representing Tōtōmi Province (present-day western Shizuoka Prefecture) and is historically significant as the birthplace of the Ii clan, which produced Ii Naomasa, known as one of the four great generals under the Tokugawa shogunate. Belonging to the Rinzai Zen Myoshinji School, Ryotanji Temple gained renewed attention through the NHK taiga drama “Onna Jōshu Naotora” and features a nationally designated scenic garden, historic sites associated with Ii Naotora, and numerous important cultural properties. The temple has become a popular tourist destination not only for history enthusiasts but also for those seeking the beauty of traditional gardens.
This article comprehensively explains everything you should know before visiting Ryotanji Temple, from its historical background to the highlights within the temple grounds, viewing information, and access methods.
History and Origins of Ryotanji Temple
Founding and Changes in Temple Name
Ryotanji Temple has a long history, with tradition dating its foundation to the 5th year of the Tenpyo era (733) under the Buddhist priest Gyoki. Initially called “Jizoji Temple,” it was later renamed “Jijōin Temple.”
The temple acquired its present name “Ryotanji” during the Kanen era (1340s) of the Northern and Southern Courts period. The name was taken from the posthumous Buddhist name “Ryotanji-den” of Ii Dosei, the eighth head of the Ii clan. From this point forward, Ryotanji became the family temple of the Ii clan, and its history became closely intertwined with that of the clan.
Deep Connection with the Ii Clan
The primary reason Ryotanji is known as such an important temple lies in its profound relationship with the Ii clan. The Ii clan was a samurai clan based in Ii Valley in Tōtōmi Province (present-day Ii Valley, Hiksa Town, Kita Ward, Hamamatsu City), and is a prestigious family continuing from the late Heian period.
The Ii clan made Ryotanji their family temple throughout the generations, with many clan heads buried there. Particularly from the Sengoku period through the early Edo period, the temple’s historical significance increased further with the emergence of historically important figures such as Ii Naotora and Ii Naomasa.
Ii Naotora and Ryotanji Temple
Ii Naotora (also known as Jiro Hōshi), known as the protagonist of the 2017 NHK taiga drama “Onna Jōshu Naotora,” had an inseparable relationship with Ryotanji Temple.
Ii Naotora trained at Ryotanji Temple from childhood and became a Buddhist nun, taking the name Jiro Hōshi. Nankai Zuibun, the head priest of Ryotanji, was Naotora’s teacher and is known as a figure who devoted himself to preserving the Ii clan. During the era when Naotora was active as the lord of Ii Valley, Ryotanji served as the spiritual pillar of the Ii clan.
Ryotanji Temple from the Edo Period Onward
Entering the Edo period, the Ii clan established itself as the daimyo lords of Hikone Domain due to the achievements of Ii Naomasa. When Ii Naomasa relocated to Hikone, he founded another temple bearing the same name there (Ryotanji, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture).
However, Ryotanji in Tōtōmi Province continued to be considered important as the birthplace of the Ii clan and remained under the patronage of the clan throughout the Edo period. This relationship was maintained even during the late Edo period under Ii Naosuke, the Great Elder.
Even after the Meiji Restoration, Ryotanji continued to exist as an important local temple, and in 1936 (Showa 11), its garden was officially designated as a national scenic site, with its value as a cultural property formally recognized.
Highlights of Ryotanji Temple
A Nationally Designated Scenic Garden
The garden you absolutely must not miss when visiting Ryotanji Temple is the pond-viewing style garden (chisen-kanshō shiki teien) designated as a national scenic site. This garden is traditionally attributed to Kobori Enshu and is believed to have been created in the early Edo period.
Characteristics of the Garden
The Ryotanji garden covers approximately 1,000 square meters behind the main hall and was designed to be viewed from the verandah of the main building. The composition of the garden includes the following characteristics:
Placement of Guardian Stones: Guardian stones symbolizing the protection of the Ii clan are positioned throughout the garden. The central main stone is surrounded by stones such as the two guardian king stones and the worship stone. These stone arrangements are not merely decorative but carry the meaning of praying for the prosperity of the Ii clan.
Beauty Throughout the Four Seasons: The garden displays different appearances throughout the year. Spring brings cherry blossoms and azaleas, early summer features fresh greenery, autumn displays red leaves, and winter offers snow-covered landscapes—entirely different beauties can be enjoyed depending on the season of visit.
Borrowed Landscape Technique: The technique of incorporating distant mountains in the background as borrowed scenery is employed, creating a sense of spatial expanse within the garden. This allows visitors to feel greater depth and grandeur than the actual garden area suggests.
Shin-ji Pond: At the center of the garden is a pond designed in the shape of the character “shin” (心, meaning heart), a style common in Zen temple gardens. The water’s reflection of trees and sky expresses Zen spirituality.
Main Hall and Buddhist Statues
The main hall of Ryotanji Temple is a precious structure preserving the architectural style of the middle Edo period. Numerous Buddhist statues and cultural properties are enshrined within.
Principal Deity: Akasagarbha Bodhisattva: The principal deity of Ryotanji is Akasagarbha Bodhisattva, traditionally attributed to the work of the Buddhist priest Gyoki. Akasagarbha is venerated as a bodhisattva bestowing wisdom and good fortune.
Sakyamuni Trinity: The main hall houses a trinity centered on Sakyamuni Buddha, designated as a cultural property of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Memorial Tablets of Ii Clan Heads: Memorial tablets of successive heads of the Ii clan are enshrined in the main hall, conveying the temple’s role as the family temple of the Ii clan to the present day.
Ii Clan Burial Grounds
Within the temple grounds of Ryotanji are burial grounds for successive heads of the Ii clan. Particularly important are the following graves:
Grave of Ii Naotora: The grave of Ii Naotora, known as “Jiro Hōshi,” has become a site visited by many history enthusiasts. The gravestone is relatively modest, seemingly symbolic of Naotora’s way of life.
Graves of Ii Naomasa’s Parents: Also present are the graves of Ii Naomasa’s father, Ii Naoshin, and his mother. Naoshin is known as a tragic samurai who met an untimely death under the orders of Imagawa Ujizane.
Graves of Successive Clan Heads: Other graves of numerous Ii clan heads and relatives are arranged here, making this a place where one can feel the history of the Ii clan firsthand.
Dragon Carving Attributed to Hidari Jingoro
Ryotanji Temple possesses a dragon carving traditionally attributed to Hidari Jingoro, a renowned craftsman of the early Edo period. This dragon adorns the ceiling of the main hall and is known as a “crying dragon.”
According to legend, when one claps their hands beneath this dragon, the sound echoes and seems to make the dragon cry. While traditions about Hidari Jingoro’s works are found throughout Japan, the dragon at Ryotanji is also highly evaluated for its craftsmanship and artistry.
Inari Hall and Iiyatani Shrine
The temple grounds of Ryotanji also feature an Inari hall that draws local devotion. Additionally, Iiyatani Shrine is located near Ryotanji, enshrining Prince Muneyo, a member of the imperial family from the Northern and Southern Courts period. Iiyatani Shrine is visited by many tourists along with Ryotanji and is an important spot for understanding the history of Ii Valley.
Temple Treasures and Cultural Properties
Ryotanji preserves many treasures.
Ancient Documents: Numerous documents related to the Ii clan and records of temple history are preserved, serving as valuable materials for historical research.
Paintings: Portraits of successive heads of the Ii clan and Buddhist paintings from the Edo period are housed in the collection.
Crafts: Works of art associated with the Ii clan, including swords, armor, and tea ceremony utensils, are preserved, and special exhibitions are occasionally held.
Annual Events at Ryotanji Temple
Various events are held at Ryotanji throughout the year.
Spring Events
Hana-matsuri (April 8th): A Buddhist observance celebrating the birth of Sakyamuni, featuring distribution of sweet tea.
Spring Grand Festival: An important religious service for the memorial of Ii clan ancestors.
Summer Events
Obon Memorial Service (August): Buddhist rites for ancestor veneration are conducted, drawing many parishioners and pilgrims.
Autumn Events
Autumn Grand Festival: An important religious service held alongside the Spring Grand Festival, with memorial services for people associated with the Ii clan.
Autumn Foliage Illumination (Mid to Late November): In recent years, nighttime illumination may be provided during the autumn foliage season, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical garden landscape.
Winter Events
Joya no Kane (December 31st): The New Year bell ringing is performed on New Year’s Eve, marking preparations to welcome the new year.
Viewing Information
Viewing Hours and Admission Fee
Viewing Hours:
- Regular period: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (Reception until 4:00 PM)
- Summer season (August): 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Reception until 4:30 PM)
Admission Fee:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 200 yen
- Group discounts available (20 or more people)
※ Admission fees may be subject to change; it is recommended to verify current information before your visit.
Notes on Viewing
- Shoes must be removed before entering the main hall.
- Photography of the garden is permitted, but some areas such as Buddhist statues are off-limits for photography.
- Please view respectfully and avoid disturbing other visitors.
- Entry into the garden proper is not permitted; viewing is conducted from the verandah of the main hall.
Access Methods
By Automobile
When using the Tomei Expressway:
- Approximately 30 minutes from Hamamatsu IC
- Approximately 20 minutes from Shintomei Expressway Hamamatsu-Hamakita IC
Parking:
- Free parking available (capacity for approximately 50 regular vehicles)
- Large buses can park
By Public Transportation
When using trains and buses:
- Using the Tenryu Hamanako Railway:
- Transfer to the Tenryu Hamanako Railway from JR Hamamatsu Station
- Get off at “Kanaji Station,” approximately 20 minutes walk or approximately 5 minutes by taxi
- Using Entetsu Bus:
- Board Entetsu Bus bound for “Okuyama” or “Kike” from Hamamatsu Station North Exit Bus Terminal
- Get off at “Jinguji” bus stop, approximately 10 minutes walk
Estimated Travel Time:
- Approximately 40–50 minutes from Hamamatsu Station
By Taxi
- Approximately 30 minutes by taxi from JR Hamamatsu Station
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Kanaji Station on the Tenryu Hamanako Railway
Nearby Tourist Attractions
It is recommended to visit nearby tourist attractions along with Ryotanji Temple.
Iiyatani Castle Ruins
Approximately 20 minutes walk from Ryotanji Temple lies Iiyatani Castle ruins, the former residence of the Ii clan. Currently maintained as Yamashiro Park, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Ii Valley from the summit. This location evokes the era when Ii Naotora was active.
Iiyatani Shrine
Located approximately 5 minutes walk from Ryotanji, Iiyatani Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Prince Muneyo of the Northern and Southern Courts period. It has deep ties with the Ii clan, and the grounds feature stone monuments inscribed with poems by Prince Muneyo.
Hogonji Temple
Hogonji Temple in Kita Ward, Hamamatsu, is the head temple of the Rinzai Zen Hogonji School and is known as “Okuyama Hansōbō.” Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Ryotanji, it is a Zen temple surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Hamamatsu City Museum and Hamamatsu Castle
Hamamatsu Castle in the central part of Hamamatsu City is known as the castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu spent his youth. Ii Naomasa also served under Ieyasu for a period, and visiting here helps one understand the relationship between the Ii clan and the Tokugawa family.
Lake Okihamanako
The area surrounding Ryotanji is known as Okihamanako, a region rich in nature where visitors can enjoy lakeside walks and hot springs. In particular, Tatsutagushi Hot Spring is known as a representative hot spring destination in Hamamatsu.
Recommended Seasons to Visit Ryotanji Temple
Spring (March–May)
Spring at Ryotanji Temple is when cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom abundantly, enveloping the garden in a vibrant atmosphere. Particularly from early to mid-April during cherry blossom season, many tourists visit. The beauty of fresh greenery is also exceptional, allowing for refreshing viewing experiences.
Summer (June–August)
The fresh greenery of early summer is striking to the eye, and the garden’s greenery is most beautiful during this time. However, as summer heat is intense, visiting early in the morning is recommended. During the rainy season, gardens wet with rain also possess special charm.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn, with its colorful foliage, is one of the most beautiful seasons at Ryotanji Temple. From mid to late November, the maples and Japanese sweet viburnum in the garden turn red and yellow, creating a scene like a painting. While foliage season brings crowds, the beauty is worth seeing.
Winter (December–February)
Winter at Ryotanji Temple is wrapped in silence, allowing one to experience the solemn atmosphere characteristic of a Zen temple. A garden dusted with snow is particularly beautiful, with striking contrast between white and green. Tourist crowds are relatively sparse, allowing for leisurely viewing.
Temple Stamps at Ryotanji
Ryotanji Temple offers temple stamps (goshuin). Stamps can be obtained at the reception desk of the main hall, with seasonal limited edition stamps available in addition to the regular stamp.
Temple Stamp Fee: Approximately 300 yen (subject to change)
Visitors may bring their own stamp book or purchase an original Ryotanji stamp book. Stamp books featuring the Ii clan’s family crest, the “tachibana” (mandarin orange) design, are also popular as souvenirs.
Cultural Property Value of Ryotanji Temple
Ryotanji is far more than a tourist attraction; it is an important cultural property conveying Japanese history and culture.
Value as a Nationally Designated Scenic Site
The Ryotanji garden, designated as a national scenic site in 1936 (Showa 11), represents an excellent example of pond-viewing style gardens from the early Edo period and holds an important position in the history of landscape design. It is a precious legacy conveying the landscape design techniques of Kobori Enshu to the present day.
Historical Value
As the birthplace of the Ii clan and as a temple associated with historically significant figures including Ii Naotora, Ryotanji holds important standing in Japanese historical research. Documents and records preserved in the temple serve as valuable materials for elucidating regional history from the Sengoku period through the Edo period.
Religious and Spiritual Value
As a temple of the Rinzai Zen Myoshinji School, Ryotanji remains a religious institution conveying Zen teachings to the present day. The Zen spirituality expressed in the garden provides visitors with opportunities for silence and self-reflection.
To Deepen Your Understanding of Ryotanji Temple
Recommended Preliminary Study
Learning about the history of the Ii clan and Ii Naotora before visiting Ryotanji Temple will make your visit more enriching. Viewing the NHK taiga drama “Onna Jōshu Naotora” or reading related books will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Ryotanji’s historical background.
Utilization of Guided Tours
Ryotanji may offer guided tours for groups. Hearing expert commentary can reveal details of the garden and historical episodes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Visits Across Multiple Seasons
If possible, it is recommended to visit multiple times across different seasons. The garden, which displays different appearances with each season, offers new discoveries with every visit.
Conclusion: The Charm of Ryotanji Temple
Ryotanji Temple in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an ancient temple with nearly 1,300 years of history and historically significant as the birthplace of the Ii clan. With its nationally designated scenic garden, historic sites associated with figures such as Ii Naotora, and numerous cultural properties, Ryotanji satisfies history enthusiasts, those seeking garden beauty, and those seeking peace of mind alike.
When visiting Hamamatsu, be sure to visit Ryotanji Temple and spend a quiet moment in its beautiful garden while reflecting on the history of the Ii clan. The silence characteristic of a Zen temple and the natural beauty of the four seasons will allow you to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Ryotanji is far more than a tourist attraction; it is a precious place where one can experience Japanese history, culture, and spirituality. This temple, filled with charm, allows each visitor to discover and feel moved by something unique to their own experience.
