Sect: Koyasan Shingon Buddhism
Principal Deity: Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha)
Founded: 672
Goeika (Pilgrimage Hymn): “Originally, within one’s heart lies a sea of fortune and longevity, Where even boundless sins vanish without a trace.”
Manifestation (Okeishin): Rengega Kannon (Lotus-Reclining Kannon)
This form of Kannon is depicted sitting atop a radiant lotus in a pure pond, hands gently pressed together in prayer, gazing to the right. The muddy water symbolizes the world, while the lotus, rising from it, represents us—reminding us that Kannon prays for our happiness.
○ History & Origins
Ryuzenji was established in 672 by imperial decree of Emperor Tenji (625–672). At its peak, the temple occupied a site 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome and housed 12 halls.
Emperor Shirakawa (1053–1129), troubled by ominous dreams, ordered Chohan Sojo, a renowned monk from Kyoto’s Toji Temple, to restore the temple, which had fallen into decline. Later, during Emperor Go-Toba’s reign (1180–1239), it is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199) also dedicated efforts to restoring this temple in honor of Emperor Tenji’s legacy.
Over time, the temple’s land and grounds gradually diminished. Once a magnificent temple surrounded by an ancient forest, with a highland in front and flowing waters at its back, Ryuzenji was nearly destroyed in a fire in 1885 (Meiji 18), losing most of its structures, treasured artifacts, and records. Thanks to the support of the temple’s followers, it has since been revived and continues to serve as a center of faith, enshrining Amida Nyorai as its principal deity.
Among its temple treasures are ancient roof tiles from the Hakuho period (late 7th to early 8th century), a mandala said to be drawn by Kukai, an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue from the Asuka period (592–710), and numerous paintings and calligraphy works from the late Edo period, including those by the renowned scholar-samurai Sakuma Shozan. Ryuzenji is also the 16th temple of the Awa Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage.
○ Message from the head priest
An elder lady from Rengein Tanjoji Temple in Kumamoto once said:
“Pray to Kannon. Kannon will prepare and provide everything you need.”
I believe in these words and offer my prayers every morning and evening.
○ Access
Address: 119-12 Kubota, Takarada, Anan, Tokushima, 774-0045, Japan
Phone number: 0884-23-0598
Large Buses: Permitted
Microbuses: Permitted