Ryuunji (Cloud Dragon Temple)

Ryuunji is a Soto Zen temple, which was founded by Misumi Nobukane in 1382. Its name translates literally to Dragon Cloud Temple, but it is also known as “Kaikurasan”, or Sea Storehouse Mountain. It's set deep in mountain valley, on a steep, narrow, road. It is about 2 kilometers uphill from Misumi shrine, so you can go by car in about ten minutes.

This temple has beautiful buildings and a garden. Nature surrounds Ryuunji, and you can see scenic views in every season: cherry blossom in Spring, azaleas in May, red leaves in Autumn, and a beautiful snowy landscape in winter.

In the pond, there are some creatures like newts and tadpoles.When you enter the front door, you will see a small bell for calling the chief priest.

In the main hall, you can see a carving of a dragon above the sliding door. And when you look up at the ceiling you can see the picture of a large dragon! This is the reason that this temple is called Ryuunji, or dragon cloud temple. Legend has it that you can clap your hands and hear the dragon roar.

This temple contains a prefecturally-designated cultural property and some cultural properties like statues and a Buddhist sutra. Japanese pictures are drawn on sliding doors inside the temple. There is also a peaceful Zen meditation hall for visitors who make reservations.

It is possible to call in advance to arrange for lunch and Zen meditation sessions. Please be sure to make a reservation if you wish to eat at the temple.

Address: 909 Ashiya, Misumi town, Hamada city, Shimane.

Call: 0855-32-0960 ( In Japanese only)

Website: http://ryuun-ji.jp/ (In Japanese only but with some great photographs.)

Tomoharu. I

Near Spots

: Jinguji (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) This quiet place surrounded by many trees is the original location of Jinguji tmple.It is located across a small b...(read more)

: Ganryuji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) History of Ganryuji Temple About 1,200 years ago, during the Daido period (806~810), Kobo Daishi Kukai founded the near...(read more)

: Kanzeonji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) The original Kanzeonji Temple burned down in 1800 in a fire which destroyed most of the town. However, it was reconstruc...(read more)

: Shogenji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you enjoy visiting temples, Iwami has a 33 temple pilgrimage route that you can follow. Shogenji Temple is one ...(read more)

: Kannanmiji temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) Kannamiji Temple is the 11th on the Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage.It's in the Kawamoto area of Gotsu city and was...(read more)

: Senganji temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) Senganji temple is located at the top of a small mountain in theKawamoto area of Gotsu. This temple was establis...(read more)

: Jionji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) This is Jionji (慈恩寺). It is located in Tsuchi cho, Gotsu city. Thetemple was built in 1376by Tadafuyu Ashika...(read more)

: Seisuiji Temple SeisuijiTemple is a Shingon Buddhist temple, and is a notable place in the history of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, wh...(read more)

: Ebisu Shrine in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture This beautiful building is Ebisu Shrine in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. This shrine is a sub-shrine of Miho Shrin...(read more)

: Takanoji Temple ( Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you enjoy walking, we recommend Takano temple, about 20 minutes by taxi from Yunotsu station in Iwami region. The mai...(read more)

: Iwami 33 Temple Pigrimage Have you ever heard a pilgrimage to the Iwami Kannon 33 Temples Pilgrimage? All the temples are located in Iwami region ...(read more)

: Enpukuji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you want to see a visual representation of the last judgement, you should visit Enpuku-ji temple in Ohda, Iwami regio...(read more)