On this tour you will visit the grounds of Ryotanji Temple, an ancient Zen temple in Hamamatsu first established in 733. The temple is considered the family temple of the powerful Ii clan, notable members of which include Naotora Ii, a famous female warlord, and Naosuke Ii, a feudal lord who contributed greatly to the reopening of Japan after 214 years of isolation.

Ryotanji is well-known for its artistic architecture and impressive grounds. Its main hall’s flooring is made in the uguisubari, or nightingale, method, a style designed to emit creaking noises (not unlike a nightingale’s song) when you walk on it. This flooring, along with the temple’s distinctive dragon sculpture, was created by Jingoro Hidari, an important artist of the seventeenth century. Other significant sights in Ryotanji include the Kanazawa Bunko, a collection of books believed to be some of the oldest in the world, and the Joroku-no Daibutsu, a giant golden Buddha statue.

The temple’s main attraction, however, is its classic Zen garden, a designated National Site of Scenic Beauty. Made in the chisen-kansho style, it is best viewed from the temple’s veranda. As part of the your experience, you will explore its many features, including a pond shaped like the chinese character for “heart.”

After the temple, you will visit nearby Iinoya-gu shrine. Built in 1872, it is dedicated to the deified spirit of Prince Munenaga, a poet and emperor’s son, and once head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, who died defending the reign of his father.
INCLUSIONS
• Nationally-licensed tour guide
• Transportation fee
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off
• Access into Ryotanji Temple
EXCLUSIONS
• Any food or shopping expenses