Usamikannonji Temple

TEMPLE

Usamikannonji Temple is a hidden gem of the Izu Peninsula. Overlooking Usami, the temple sits high on the mountain and boasts to have the largest Peace Kanon statue (standing at 50 metres) in the whole of Japan. There are also smaller statues dedicated to the seven lucky gods. It is said that if you touch them then you will receive good luck!

There is a large car park available.

Review

Usamikannonji Temple is the one place I always bring people to if they visit the Izu Peninsula. We found it by complete accident, driving along the road towards Ito and seeing the large kanon statue towering above us. The temple grounds can be a little intimidating as they are full of rows and rows of small statues. Try not to let this intimidate you as it’s worth walking around.

First head to the main hall. Pay for your entry and then look around the exhibit inside. The staff will let you walk around at your own pace before you head up the stairs and walk through the walkways. I first found this place during cherry blossom season so if you’re here during March then definitely come and visit. The cherry blossoms from here look stunning! If you look to your left you are also able to see all the way down to the ocean. It’s a beautiful sight!

Follow the path round and it’ll take you to some smaller areas. I’m not sure what everything is but it’s interesting to have a look. You should also pass by the seven lucky gods. Make sure to touch these for good luck. If you wish to research more about them then there’s plenty of information on the Internet. Their names are Hotei, Jurojin, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Baikokuten and Ebisu.

After this you are at last on your way up to the big kanon statue. The path up to the statue is cordoned off so unfortunately you can’t get a close-up view, however you are able to see it from fairly nearby. After taking all the pictures you want, head back down the path to the exit.

ADDRESS

Usamikannonji Temple,
3496-205 Usami,
Ito,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
414-0001

+81557470658 (Japanese only)
http://www.kannon.co.jp/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Usamikannonji Temple is only available by car, however as an alternative you are able to take the train from Atami to Usami and then get a taxi if you wish.

Shuzenji Temple

TEMPLE

Shuzenji temple was built in 807 AD. It is said that the famous saint Kobo and his disciple founded the temple while travelling around Japan. The temple was burned down and rebuilt twice, with the current temple being built in 1489. For a more detailed history please visit the temple’s website.

Many famous writers/playwrights have visited the temple and been inspired, most notably being Natsume Soseki who wrote “Shuzenji Dairy”.

There is no set parking for the temple, however you are able to use one of the many car parks in the area for a fee.

Review

The history behind the temple is very interesting and I recommend you reading up on it on their website (the history is available in English) before you visit. The building itself is fairly generic, although the temple often holds festivals and local craft markets. If you’re in the area during one of these events then I definitely recommend visiting.

ADDRESS

Shuzenji Temple,
Shuzenji 964-985-1,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2416

+81558720053 (Japanese only)
https://shuzenji-temple.com/english.html (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Shuzenji temple is easiest to get to by public transport, however there are paid car parks in Shuzenji available to use. Take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Shuzenji Onsen (修善寺温泉).

Meitokuji Temple

TEMPLE

The Izu Peninsula is full of unique shrines and temples and Meitokuji temple is no exception. It is known as the temple for the “god of the restroom” and it is said if you visit here then you will have good bowel movements. The temple even has stones which resemble male and female genitalia.

On the 29th August every year they hold the local sumo tournament. Many locals band together to form groups of three to participate in the lighthearted tournament and even get the chance to stand off against sumo club university students. Participation in this requires sign up in advance and a group of three, however anyone is welcome to come and watch.

The temple only has a few parking spaces available, however during the sumo festival they provide parking nearby.

Review

I have not yet visited the temple to pray, however I have been for the sumo festival. The sumo festival is a very fun event held in the middle of Japanese summer, just after the schools go back. Anyone is welcome to watch, even if you don’t understand completely what’s going on. There are multiple local teams competing to see who will get the chance to play against students who do this daily. I definitely recommend coming to see it if you get the chance!

ADDRESS

Meitokuji Temple,
234 Ichiyama
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3205

+81558850144 (Japanese only)
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?c1=5&pid=2501 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Meitokuji temple doesn’t have much parking so it is actually easier to get there if you’re travelling by public transport. Take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Yugashima (湯ヶ島) and get off at Ichiyama. You will need to walk from here to the temple.

Daruma Temple

TEMPLE

Daruma Temple is a small temple on the west coast of Izu and features the largest Daruma statue in Japan. Daruma was the founder of Zen Buddhism and is said to have been born in India around 1,500 years ago. It was also said that he lived for 150 years! Darumas are usually small objects with eyes missing. When you make a wish you fill in one eye and the other eye is kept blank until your wish comes true.

Usually daruma are red in colour, however at this temple the five colours represent the main Buddhist elements, sky, fire, wind, water and earth.

If you wish to purchase a daruma for yourself, the colours actually have a meaning.

Red: Used for all wishes although mostly used for big wishes.
Yellow: Used for all wishes involving good luck.
Blue: Used for exam success and academic achievement.
Black: Used as protection from evil spirits.
White: Used to pray for romance and good luck.

After visiting the main hall you can also pray in the gift shop with another daruma statue. To pray correctly you:
– Go through the ring.
– Rub part of the statue (ideally any part you wish to be healed).
– Ring the small bell while praying.
– Exit from the left without going through the ring.

There is a free car park available.

Review

Daruma temple is one of the most unique temples I’ve seen in Japan, let alone Izu. Most of the time, the temples are pretty much the same (from an outsiders perspective) so it’s very refreshing to see a temple which shows you another part of the religion. It is very small so if the darumas themselves aren’t interesting then give this temple a miss.

When you arrive you will be ushered to the entrance. Make sure to enter through the gateway and not the doors at the car park as this is actually the exit. Head to the small shack, pay the entrance fee and collect your incense. The volunteer will take you to a statue where you fill the ladle with water and pour it on the statue’s head. They will probably give a small speech but don’t worry about them expecting you to understand. This is just part of their job and they don’t seriously expect you to.

When you enter the building the volunteer will explain that they have a scroll of Daruma himself, all “drawn” using handwritten letters. Again, they will probably explain more but it’s mostly about the origins of the tapestries inside. Make sure to pray using your incense and take your time admiring the many darumas, especially the largest daruma statue in Japan! Incense has a very strong smell so for anyone with asthma may struggle with their breathing in this room. You don’t need to light the incense if you don’t think your asthma can cope.

Head through the door to the left and you’ll arrive in the gift shop. It’s that small a place that you’re already there! The volunteers will most likely follow you around, which is a little uncomfortable. Feel free to buy a daruma for yourself and also pray at the statue. They also have a selection of photos of famous celebrities who have visited the temple, for example Ken Watanabe (a famous actor). The shop has a strange variety of goods so make sure to take your time here and see if you want to buy any souvenirs to bring home!

ADDRESS

Daruma Temple,
463-1 Koshimoda,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3304

+81558990731 (Japanese only)
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp.e.jj.hp.transer.com/form1.html?c1=5&pid=2532 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Daruma temple is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎).

Saifukuji Temple

TEMPLE

Saifukuji temple is one of the main temples in Koshimoda, a small town on the west coast of Izu. The temple holds a cherry blossom festival every year where the locals sing/dance and you can enjoy green tea. Aside from this, there is not much else to the temple as visitors are not allowed inside.

Hidden along Route 136, this temple can be easy to miss. I recommend visiting it alongside other attractions in the area if you have time.

Review

Saifukuji is another local temple which is fun to visit when there are local events, however I don’t really recommend it otherwise. The hold a yearly cherry blossom festival where the locals entertain everyone by either singing or dancing and they also provide green tea.

ADDRESS

Saifukuji Temple,
1667 Koshimoda,
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3304

+81558990101 (Japanese only)
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Saifukuji temple is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎). Get off at the Koshimoda (小下田) bus stop.

Anrakuji Temple

TEMPLE

Anrakuji Temple is an ancient temple in Toi, Izu City. It is the 86th temple of the Izu 88 pilgrimage, a pilgrimage that imitates the famous Shikoku pilgrimage.

At the back of the temple is a tunnel which features a hot spring that is famous for its medicinal properties. Many people travel there to wish for the healing of illnesses. Nowadays it is not possible to enter the hot spring but you are allowed to pray to the statue found inside.

The temple does have free parking nearby.

Review

I haven’t yet visited the hot springs, however I heard it’s a must visit if you’re visiting the temple. The temple itself is small and tucked away within the residential area so it can be quite easy to miss. At New Year, Japanese people go there to ring the bell within the grounds to wish for good luck for the coming year. If you’re in the area at New Year I recommend you go and ring the bell yourself. Anyone is welcome!

ADDRESS

Anrakuji Temple,
711 Toi,
Numazu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3302

+81558980309 (Japanese only)
http://kanko.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/form1.html?c1=5&c2=1&aid=3&pid=2533 (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Anrakuji temple is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Dogashima (堂ヶ島) and get off at Baba. It takes around 50 minutes, ￥1,340 each way and there are 1-2 buses per hour.

Manfukuji Temple

TEMPLE

Manfukuji temple is one of the main Toi sakura checkpoints, with many visitors coming at the end of January to see the earliest blooming cherry blossoms in Japan. Aside from the cherry blossom tree, there is not much else to the temple as visitors are not allowed inside.

Tucked inside the Toi residential area, this temple can be easy to miss. I recommend visiting it alongside other attractions in the area if you have time.

Review

Manfukuji temple is a very small temple situated within the Toi residential area. Aside from the cherry blossoms blooming in late January/early February there isn’t much else to see at this temple. As you can’t see inside I really only recommend this during the winter season.

If you arrive during cherry blossom season then outside the gate there will be a stamp ralley. If you wish then you can visit all the areas on the map (there aren’t that many in Toi) and they all provide you with their own stamps to stamp off your sheet to say that you’ve been there.

ADDRESS

Manfukuji Temple,
135 Toi
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3302

+81558980533 (Japanese only)
Website unavailable

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Manfukuji temple is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Matsuzaki (松崎).

Seiunji Temple

TEMPLE

Seiunji Temple is a small temple located in Toi, Izu City. The main hall features 90 panel paintings around the size of a tatami mat which detail the life of Nichiren Daishonin. The main hall also features impressive gold-lacquered ornaments so please take off your shoes at the bottom of the steps, enter the building and enjoy all the temple has to offer.

The temple also has a car park with enough space for around 30 cars.

Review

Seiunji Temple is a small but interesting temple to look around. It is one of the few temples in the countryside where you can enter the main building and look at the impressive displays. The people are also very friendly and happy to show you what the temple has to offer. Just remember to take off your shoes!

I recommend starting off with the main building, praying and taking in the interior. After that look around the grounds and to the right of the temple you’ll see a long array of steps. On these steps are statues dedicated to the 12 Zodiac animals. The cemetery also has a nice view of Toi if you wish to wander to the top. It’s a little big of a climb but they’re happy to let you wander.

ADDRESS

Seiunji Temple,
644 Toi
Izu City,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-3302

+81558980221 (Japanese only)
https://seiunji.net/ (Japanese only)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Seiunji temple is easiest to get to by car as public transport on the West side of Izu can be quite sporadic. If you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Mishima to Shuzenji on the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line. Switch to the bus bound for Dogashima (堂ヶ島) and get off at Toi City Hall (土肥市所). It takes around 50 minutes, ￥1,340 each way and there are 1-2 buses per hour.

Ganjojuin Temple

VIEWPOINT

With great transport links along the Izu Hakone Tetsudo Line, Izunokuni is a great place to visit for a relaxing break within easy access. Ganjojuin Temple is one of my favourite temples in the area.

Originally built for prosperity in war, the temple is home to a rich history, all of which you can read/experience for yourself in English! Home to another Brit, you can hear for yourself the immersive story straight from an English-speaking mouth. It is also home to five of Unkei’s national treasure Buddhist sculptures.

Note: in order to preserve the artefacts, no photographs are allowed within the main viewing hall or treasure hall.

Review

I first visited this temple by recommendation of a friend of mine and without any idea of what I would encounter there. I was very pleasantly surprised when we arrived at the temple. Not only were the grounds pretty, the statues extremely interesting and the history itself was leaving me wanting to know more, but a fellow Brit is married to the daughter of the owner and works in the temple.

After reminiscing about the UK, he explained about the temple and the grounds in English (both were originally much larger and were destroyed/shrunk after the buildings were burned down). I’ve never been to a temple before where I had a 100% English tour. It’s very rare in Japan and made me love the temple even more. The temple also is home to five important Buddhism statues so hearing about the authentication process (opening up the statues and examining the plaques inside) was very interesting. I highly recommend trying to get the English explanation if you can!

Also if you have the time, I recommend heading around to the side/back of the temple – where all the statues are. This temple’s cemetery features stone carving caricatures (paid for by the Japanese before they pass). It’s really interesting walking around and seeing how the people wanted to be remembered after they moved on to the next life.

ADDRESS

Ganjojuin Temple
83-1 Jike,
Izunokuni,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
410-2122

+81559497676 (English available)
https://ganjoujuin.jp/english.html (English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

The easiest way to get here is by car, however there are good transport links. The nearest train stations are Nirayama and Izunagaoka on the Izuhakone railway line. The temple is around a 15 minute walk from these stations. If you wish to use a local tourist shuttle bus then it departs from Izunagaoka station.