Koryu-ji, Buddhist temple in Saijo, Japan
Koryu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Saijō, Ehime Prefecture, Japan, set in a forested mountain landscape with a three-story pagoda, several prayer halls, and stone monuments spread across the grounds. The buildings are arranged along a path that leads visitors from the entrance gate through a series of sacred spaces.
The temple was founded in 642 and later recognized as an imperial temple under Emperor Kammu. Buddhist masters Gyoki and Kukai both visited the site at different times, leaving a lasting mark on its religious standing.
The main hall holds a thousand-armed Kannon statue that people come to pray in front of throughout the year. Wooden prayer tablets and offerings left nearby show how active this place remains in the daily religious life of the region.
The temple is open every day and has a parking area on site for both cars and buses. Those arriving without a vehicle can take a taxi from JR Niihama Station to reach the entrance.
The temple offers Buddhist vegetarian meals and tofu hot pot by reservation, made with vegetables grown in the surrounding forest. These dishes follow monastic cooking traditions passed down over generations and are rarely found outside temple settings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
