Ryusen-ji Temple (Meguro Fudoson)

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The temple was founded by the priest Jikaku Daishi Ennin in the early 9th century.

2. 2

   It is part of the 'Edo Five Fudoson' circuit, a pilgrimage route established to protect the city of Edo.

3. 3

   The temple serves as a burial site for historical figures such as Aoki Kon'yo, who introduced the sweet potato to Japan.

4. 4

   The grounds contain a stone-carved basin, the 'Dokyo-no-taki', originally used for purification rituals.

5. 5

   The main hall was reconstructed following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.

6. 6

   Many of the stone Buddhist statues on the premises date back to the early 18th century.

7. 7

   The temple is featured in several works of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, highlighting its status as an Edo-period destination.

8. 8

   The complex houses a collection of cultural artifacts designated by Meguro City.

Overview

Ryusen-ji, commonly known as Meguro Fudoson, is an active Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 808 AD. It is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo and serves as the head temple of the Kanto region's Fudo temples. The grounds feature a main hall housing a statue of Fudo Myoo, a protector deity in Japanese Buddhism. Visitors can see the Dokyo waterfall, where practitioners historically performed ascetic rites. The temple is historically significant for its association with the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The site includes a secondary bell tower and stone statues of the Five Hundred Rakan. It maintains a large cemetery containing the graves of historical figures, including several Edo-era scholars and artists. The architecture reflects traditional Buddhist layouts preserved through various reconstructions. It is a center for ongoing religious practice rather than a purely historical site.

Insider tips

• Walk the entire perimeter to view the various stone monuments and hidden smaller altars.

• Observe the ritual purification area near the waterfall carefully if practitioners are present.

• Visit the temple office to view seasonal offerings or temple-specific calligraphy stamps.