Ryūkoku-ji

Ryūkoku-ji is a Buddhist temple featuring wooden buildings with tatami mat flooring set among farmland and green spaces in Hyogo Prefecture. The connected structures allow different religious activities to happen throughout the grounds.

Founded in 1345 as part of the Ankokuji temple network, the site served as a center for religious teaching over the centuries. A major fire in 1717 caused significant destruction, leading to reconstruction efforts completed in 1904.

The temple is rooted in the Rinzai School tradition and hosts regular meditation sessions that visitors can observe or join. The practice shapes how people move through and use the spaces throughout each day.

The temple welcomes visitors year-round and offers opportunities to participate in or observe Buddhist ceremonies and meditation. Plan to spend quiet time here and maintain respectful behavior in the sacred spaces.

Behind the main building stand dodan-tsutsuji shrubs over 150 years old that attract visitors each season. In autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and orange, transforming the garden into a colorful landscape.