The Salad Bowl. Vol. IV, No. 10. Oct. 1996.

Reizanji Temple
Historic Sites in Shizuoka:

Reizanji Temple


The second oldest temple in Shizuoka prefecture and first to be built in Shizuoka City, Japan is Reizanji. Reputedly constructed by a disciple of the sage Gyoki Bosatsu in 749 A.D., this temple is associated with the Shingon sect. Its main hall has been devastated by fire at least three times and currently it features a graceful statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon) with a host of Shinto and Buddhist deities.

The gate of this temple, dating from 1516, is a fine example of Muramachi architecture and designated as an important cultural property. The guardian devas (Nio) near the entrance, dating from the Edo period, still grimace fiercely. At one time several monks lived at this temple. For at least a century it has been mostly deserted in splendid isolation.

Reizanji is a 25 minute bus ride from Shimizu JR Station. You can take any Kita-Kaido line bus and get off at Oouchi, then walk north ten minutes until arriving at the foot of Mt. Kajiwara. Reizanji is located halfway up this mountain at an elevation of 150 meters. The path to the temple is a comfortable 25 minute stroll through bamboo groves, cedars, and ash trees.

Perhaps the best time to see this temple is early spring. On the first Sunday in March an annual festival is held here. After visiting Reizanji, it is worth hiking thirty minutes further to the summit of Mt. Kajiwara and Hokake-yama, where a magnificent view of central Shizuoka Prefecture is available.

- Tim Newfields



Copyright (c) 1996 by Tim Newfields & the Shizuoka City International Association
http://www.tnewfields.info/sb/rei.htm
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