Tenkawa Village Sightseeing Page

Approximately 1300 years ago, when En-no Gyoja, who used the mountains of Omine as his training ground, descended to the foot of the mountains in Dorogawa, he discovered a spring gushing forth from the depths of the rocky area. Although now a calm pond, it was said to be an extremely deep, clear blue spring with an unseen bottom. He named it "the dragon’s mouth" and built a small hall by the side, enshrined the Eight Great Dragon Kings, and began the practice of water asceticism. This marked the beginning, and the place was believed to be the spring where the Dragon Kings resided. It was named Ryusen-ji Temple. Even today, regardless of the sect of their religion, ascetic practitioners purify themselves and pray for a safe journey to the Eight Great Dragon Kings before heading to Mount Sanjo-gatake. After a decline lasting several decades following En-no Gyoja's passing, Shugendo was revived by Buddhist Saint Shoho Rigen Daishi (9th century). Ryusen-ji Temple became a sacred place welcoming ascetic practitioners, establishing itself as the fundamental training ground for Shugendo. The white earthen walls surrounding the premises, adorned with five lines, signify its high status among temples. The main hall enshrines various deities, including Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya Bodhisattva), En-no Gyoja, Shoho Rigen Daishi, Kobo Daishi (Kukai), and Fudo Myo-o. In front of the main hall, there is a mysterious round rick called the "Nade-ishi." Legend has it that if you stroke it saying, "I like you," it becomes light, and if you hit it saying, "I hate you," it becomes heavy. It is also said that when your wishes come true, the stone feels light, and when they don't, it becomes heavy. Annual events such as the Eight Great Dragon Kings Grand Festival in October and the Setsubun Festival (Star Festival) in February take place. Ryusen-ji Temple offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, including vibrant autumn foliage.