竜雲寺

Ryuunji is a Buddhist temple in Saku surrounded by ancient cedar trees and featuring traditional architectural forms built with natural materials. The structure displays clean lines and deliberate details that create serene and ordered spaces throughout the grounds.

The temple was founded in 1521 by Soto Zen monks during a period when Buddhism expanded throughout Japan. This early establishment shaped the religious identity of the region and the continuing traditions that remain there today.

The temple serves as a place where daily spiritual practices unfold, with monks and visitors gathering for meditation and ritual ceremonies. The site remains an active center of faith where locals and pilgrims come to participate in religious traditions.

The temple can be reached by public transportation from several cities in Nagano Prefecture and maintains extended hours during daylight. Visitors should know that the grounds are explored on foot and sturdy shoes are recommended for walking on the terrain.

The grounds are home to cedar trees several centuries old that have witnessed countless seasonal cycles and religious gatherings since the Edo period. These towering trees shape the character of the place and convey a sense of the long history rooted there.