Discover the Zen Spiritual Experience with a Volunteer Guide in Saijoji Temple

About

Welcome to Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple, a sacred Zen sanctuary where tranquility and solemnity reside. Located in Minamiashigara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple stands as an important Zen temple of the Soto sect, preserving its long history and deep faith to this day.

The main hall was designed by Ito Chuta, the first Japanese architecture historian, and embodies the traditional Japanese aesthetic of finding the beauty in shadows. The approach leading to it is lined with approximately 20,000 cedar trees, many over hundreds of years old, enveloping visitors in a quiet, mystical atmosphere.

A beautifully proportioned pagoda welcomes worshippers, evoking a sense of being transported to ancient Japan. The legendary ascetic Tengu (a type of Shinto spiritual being) stands guard before Kekkai-mon (the sacred barrier gate), and is said to ward off evil spirits and protect worshippers while also guiding the path to enlightenment.

Atop 354 stone steps lies the sacred sanctuary Okunoin, quietly standing to offer deep healing and insight to visitors. This space, woven from the natural beauty of the four seasons and the spirit of Zen, is the perfect place for a journey away from daily life to center your mind.

We invite you to experience the “authentic Japan” where tranquility and strength coexist at Daiyuzan Saijoji Temple. Zen practice through zazen meditation and sutra copying awaits you.