Ryusenji Temple is the perfect place to refresh the mind and body during your trip to Fukushima Prefecture. Originally built in 1320, the temple underwent many name changes until being called Ryusenji. The beautiful main hall has not changed for about 300 years after being reconstructed due to a fire in 1758. Nowadays, the temple offers many interesting events and vistas to visitors.
There are many sights to experience at Ryusenji. Inside the main hall of the temple, you can see a cloth bag containing the temple’s treasures and a palanquin-shaped box hanging from the ceiling. This important Cultural Property also contains many wooden statues and make for an impressive time amongst history.
If you would like a more personal experience at Ryusenji Temple, why not try the Zazen meditation experience offered by the temple’s monks? Zazen is a short zen meditation experience and is offered at Ryusenji Temple on the first Sunday of every month, as well as the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Sit in silence and stillness for 20 minutes while you empty yourself of worldly thoughts and desires.
It’s best to contact ahead of time to make reservations if you’d like to experience their Zazen, temple yoga, or calligraphy. The nature surrounding Ryusenji Temple and the calming halls of the temple will welcome you and give you peace of mind and spirit. So shed the busy angst of your life and let Ryusenji Temple offer you a serene experience.
| Website | https://www.nihonmatsu-dmo.jp/en/plan/culture_7/index.html |
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| Contact | Nihonmatsu Tourism Association (+81) 243-24-5085 |
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| Estimated Visit Time | 1h |
| Opening Hours | Temple buildings open to the public from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Entrance Fee | Free to visit. There is a 2000 yen cost to do a Zazen meditation experience. |
| Access | Niitaki 1-81, Nihommatsu City, Fukushima Pref. 964-0003 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: 10 min drive from Nihonmatsu I.C. exit off the Tohoku Expressway By Train: 30 min walk or 10 min taxi ride from Nihonmatsu Station (JR Tohoku Main Line) |
This is a museum dedicated to Eiji Tsuburaya the “Father of Tokusatsu,” or, the “Father of Japanese special effects.” There are exhibits relating to many of the monsters, “Kaijyu,” that are featured in many of Tsuburaya’s films including a Godzilla suit and Mothera egg!Eiji Tsuburaya is from Sukagawa City so you will also find statues around town of various Kaijyu and Ultraman characters from the Ultra-series, a series that was primarily created by Tsuburaya.©円谷プロ
These two weeping cherry trees are said to be the grandchildren of the great Miharu Takizakura weeping cherry tree in nearby Miharu Town. They bloom with fantastic pink flowers. When they are in full bloom, the trees are if a waterfall of blossoms is cascading from their branches. These trees are estimated to be around 170 years old. We recommend taking photographs from the bottom of the slope, so you can capture the pink of the blossoms, together with the blue of the sky, and yellow of the canola flowers.
Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees bloom along both sides of the Fujita River for three kilometers, centering around Horinouchi Bridge near Kikuta Station. The long stretch of leafy foliage features several banks suitable for picnics under the cherry blossoms, which bloom typically in mid-April. (For reference: though blooming periods can change year-to-year, the 2025 blossoms were at full bloom around 15th April.)The riverside is served by nearby Kikuta Station on the Ban-Etsu Line, or there are large car parks near the river walk.
Outdoor hot spring baths line the sides of the valley at the foot of Mt. Futamata. The open-air baths of Futamata Onsen’s ryokan are situated in a very peaceful location, surrounded by ancient forests full of beech trees – all at an altitude of 800 m. Futamata Onsen’s hot spring baths have been used for about 1200 years, and are particularly revered for the hot spring water’s healing properties. What’s more, being close to Ouch-juku, Futamata Onsen is conveniently located for a visit during your trip to Fukushima.
Yamamoto Fudoson Temple was built over 1000 years ago in a rocky cavern. The temple can be reached by taking paths lined with century-old Japanese cedar trees, and climbing a 130-step stone staircase. The cave that makes up part of the Yamamoto Fudoson temple grounds is where the Buddhist deity enshrined at this temple is worshipped. Yamamoto Fudoson Temple is located in Yamamoto Park. This park is centered in a valley – 5 km of which is designated as an Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park. A wonderful place for flower-viewing throughout the year, this area is also great for experiencing beautiful autumn leaves.
Korinji Temple, known as Hydrangea Temple, is home to around 20 kinds of hydrangeas. Many tourists visit every year to see the beautiful blue, purple and pink flowers that bloom from late-June to mid-July.
Located just east of Koriyama City, Takyashiki Inari Shrine is one of Fukushima's most striking shrine complexes. Roughly one hundred red torii gates line rows of stairs leading to the main shrine building, which features both a grey marble torii in the rear and a small koi pond. A family of chickens roost in a nearby hutch and roam free around the grounds during the day. The shrine is distinctive as an inari shrine thanks to its myriad fox statues, each of which represents a messenger of the kami Inari, said to be the watchful protector over rice farmers.The shrine grounds are free to enter and offer pleasant views over the surrounding countryside.
Experience traditional Japanese life & culture at Adachigahara Furusato Village. From exploring samurai residences to learning about the lifestyles of local farmers, there is a lot to see and do in this incredibly scenic open-air museum.
