A temple where you can enjoy both history and breathtaking views, featuring a Kamakura-period Niomon gate and a main hall offering panoramic views of Shizuoka city.
Reizan-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Ouchi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Its mountain name is Jufuku-zan, and its principal image is Senju Kannon. It's also known as the 21st temple on the Suruga-ichikoku Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage route, and has been a center of faith for many years. According to tradition, it was founded in 749 AD (Tenpyo-Shoho 1), boasting a long and rich history. The highlight of Reizan-ji Temple is undoubtedly its Niomon gate, a designated Important Cultural Property dating back to the Kamakura period. Its unusual construction—a three-bay, single-entrance, eight-legged gate with a gabled roof and thatched covering—is quite rare. The powerful Nio statues guarding the gate are truly awe-inspiring. The main hall, rebuilt in the Edo period, is a single-story, hipped-and-gabled building with a copper roof and a surrounding corridor. From the main hall, you can enjoy panoramic views of Shimizu's cityscape and Suruga Bay, a breathtaking vista that will surely leave you feeling refreshed. Reizan-ji Temple is a place where you can experience history in a tranquil setting and enjoy stunning scenery. It's also a popular hiking spot, offering trails for various fitness levels. You can also appreciate the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, so be sure to visit!