Ryuon-ji Temple

This historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple is on the way to Mt. Ogami from Prefectural Route 61. It was founded in the year 807 and has a legend of a dragon deity associated with it. It is said that the priest Unko Toshinori once subdued an evil dragon that lived in a river pool at the temple and converted it to a good dragon. During the Edo period, as one of the three main Soto sect temples, it was the most prominent of the Three Great Kanto Temples under the Shogunate. The etiquette was so lofty feudal lords were even required to dismount from their horses while worshiping there. Its impressive status can still be seen today in the amazing gongen-zukuri architecture of the main hall and its wall carvings. Surrounded by forest, its clear air and tranquility has also made it a popular spot that people come to soak up sacred energy.