Saijō-ji, Buddhist temple in Minamiashigara, Japan
Description
Saijō-ji is a Zen temple in Minamiashigara, Japan, whose grounds stretch along a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) path lined with 500-year-old cedar trees. The trail leads from the Niomon Gate to the main buildings, connecting several smaller shrines and altars.
History
The complex was founded in 1394 and ranks third among Sōtō Zen temples after Eiheiji and Sōjiji. Over the centuries, monks and patrons expanded the grounds and planted the cedar trees visible today.
Culture
The site takes its name from a monk who, according to legend, became a mountain spirit after finishing the construction. Visitors leave wooden sandals as offerings, a gesture tied to this old story.
Practical
The grounds offer free parking for 250 vehicles and sit 10 minutes on foot from the last stop of the Doryo-son bus line. The long forest path is easiest to walk in dry weather with solid footwear.
Did you know?
The cedars along the path are over five centuries old and form a natural tunnel with tall trunks. In many spots, hundreds of wooden sandals hang from branches and railings.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Minamiashigara).
Mount Ashigara
6.6 km
Fujiya Hotel
6.6 km
Okada Museum of Art
7.6 km
Hakone Open-Air Museum
6.7 km
Pola Museum of Art
7.1 km
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
6.7 km
Hakone Museum of Art
6.7 km
Lalique Museum, Hakone
7 km
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
6.6 km
Museum of The Little Prince in Hakone
6.9 km
Shasui Falls
5.8 km足柄城
6.1 km
Gōra Park
6.5 km
Hayakawa Bridge
7.6 km
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
7.4 km
Yuhi Falls
4.6 km
Samuta-jinja
7.2 km
Shōtai-ji
7.8 km
Mount Sengen
7.8 km
南足柄市運動公園
4.9 km
Hakone "Rene Lalique" Museum
7 km
南足柄市体育センター
4.8 km
Sakawagawa Bridge
6.9 km
Mount Tōnomine
6.9 km
Tomei Minasegawa Bridge
6.9 km
Chokozan Shidare-zakura
7.4 km
善福寺
3.9 km
Meissen
6.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes