Admission
Free
Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture
At a Glance
Ryuko-ji in Fujisawa is a Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1337 by Nippō.
The temple's name uses the same kanji as the execution grounds it stands on—both meaning 'dragon mouth' (龍口/Tatsunokuchi), marking the site where Nichiren miraculously escaped death in 1271.
At the moment Nichiren was to be beheaded in 1271, a shining object like a ball of lightning flew across the sky from Enoshima Island, terrifying the executioner and saving Nichiren's life.
This temple offers 2 different goshuin designs
Regular
Regular
Free
Consider combining your visit with a ride on the charming Enoden train from Kamakura, which takes only 23 minutes and offers scenic views of the ocean and narrow tracks running between houses for a memorable journey.
If you're interested in Nichiren history, prioritize the former execution-site area and the confinement cave during your visit.
Allow sufficient time to climb all the stairs and explore the temple grounds thoroughly from top to bottom, as the main hall (Dai Hondo) built in 1832 and the five-story pagoda constructed in 1910 are located at different levels with hidden wonders in every corner.
Plan enough time to see multiple structures: the five-story pagoda, main hall, stupa, and Nichiren-related cave are all on the grounds.
The temple is easily accessible with just a 5-minute walk from both Enoshima Station on the Enoden Line and Shonan-Enoshima Station on the Shonan Monorail, making it a convenient stop when visiting the Enoshima area.
Fascinating facts about this place
Ryuko-ji in Fujisawa is a Nichiren Buddhist temple founded in 1337 by Nippō.
The temple's name uses the same kanji as the execution grounds it stands on—both meaning 'dragon mouth' (龍口/Tatsunokuchi), marking the site where Nichiren miraculously escaped death in 1271.
At the moment Nichiren was to be beheaded in 1271, a shining object like a ball of lightning flew across the sky from Enoshima Island, terrifying the executioner and saving Nichiren's life.
The five-story pagoda was built in 1910, while the grand main hall dates to 1832, both standing as monuments to a site that transformed from an execution ground into a sacred pilgrimage destination.
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