Raigō-ji, Buddhist temple in Matsusaka, Japan
Raigō-ji is a Buddhist temple whose main hall houses three wooden Buddha statues from the Fujiwara period, each depicting a different form of Buddha. The grounds include a bell tower and multiple smaller shrines arranged throughout the property.
The site began in 835 as a training center for Buddhist hymns before becoming a formal temple in 1109 under Ryōnin's guidance. The main hall was later restored in 1533 and has retained its original form since then.
The temple has long served as a center for Buddhist chanting practices, with monks historically dedicating themselves to vocal recitations. This tradition continues to shape how people experience and move through the grounds today.
The temple preserves its original structures, allowing visitors to observe architectural elements from different periods as they move through the grounds. Taking time to explore each area slowly helps you notice the details and layout of this multi-shrine complex.
The grounds contain a remarkable mausoleum built in 1132 that takes the shape of a three-story pagoda and holds the status of an Important Cultural Property. This structure is a rare example of this specific building form and often receives less attention than the main hall.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
