Ryūan-ji, Buddhist temple in Minoh, Japan
Ryūan-ji is a Buddhist temple situated at the base of the Minoh waterfall, featuring a main hall with a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten at its center. The grounds are surrounded by thick mountain forest that frames the entire compound in a verdant, water-enriched setting.
The temple was established in the mid-7th century and developed into an important center for mountain ascetic practice and spiritual training. Over the following centuries, it became a focal point for regional religious activity and a refuge for monks practicing their disciplines.
The temple draws visitors and practitioners who gather to experience the spiritual connection between the waterfall and religious practice. Many come to meditate by the water or participate in seasonal ceremonies that reflect the mountain worship traditions of the region.
The temple is located in a hilly area and requires a short walk from the station through the forest to reach its entrance. Wear comfortable shoes for the forest path and visit during daylight hours, as the route can be slippery and difficult to navigate in low light.
Fortune papers distributed here in past centuries became the basis for one of Japan's earliest lottery traditions. This practice linking spirituality with everyday hopes reveals how the temple blended religious practice with popular belief.
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