20 Temples in Shizuoka worth your time

A historic Jodo sect temple in Numazu featuring the graves of local lords and a famous nature-preserving poet.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple founded by the priest Zoyo between 1532 and 1555.
• The site originated as a hermitage built by local residents for the founder.
• The family burial site for Matsudaira Yasuchika and Numazu lord Mizuno Tadatomo.
• A location dedicated to preserving the surrounding Senbon Matsubara pine grove.

What to see

• The grave of famous poet Wakayama Bokusui who campaigned against local logging.
• Pine trees originally planted as seedlings by the temple founder.
• Historical graves belonging to the Matsudaira and Mizuno families.

Getting there

• Accessible by taking the Tokai Bus from Numazu Station.
• A seventeen minute walk from Numazu Station.

Read more about Jōun-ji Temple

A historic Nichiren Buddhist temple in Fuji City famous for hosting one of Japan's three largest Daruma doll markets.

What it is

• A Nichiren Buddhist temple commonly referred to by the name Bishamon-san
• Originally founded during the Kan'ei era and moved to its current site during the Genroku era
• The founding priest of the current location is credited as Nichidatsu
• The temple is located in an area formerly known as Mount Amanokagu

What to see

• A major Daruma market held annually on the temple grounds
• Traditional temple buildings reconstructed after high tides destroyed the original site in 1680

When to go

• Visit from February 7th to 9th for the major festival and Daruma market

Getting there

• The temple is a ten minute walk from Yoshiwara Station

Official site

www.fuji-bisyamonten.com

Read more about Kōkyūzan Myōhō-ji Temple

A historic Shingon Buddhist temple founded in 726 featuring a rediscovered medieval garden and ancient national treasure statues.

What it is

• A temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect founded by Gyoki in the year 726
• Originally named Shintatsu-ji and dedicated to a hidden Sho-kanzeon Bosatsu statue
• Home to a scenic garden built between the late Heian and early Kamakura periods

What to see

• A designated Place of Scenic Beauty garden rediscovered by an engineer in the 1960s
• A wooden Senju Kannon statue designated as a national Important Cultural Property
• A wooden Fudo Myoo statue listed as a national Important Cultural Property
• A wooden Amida Nyorai statue recognized as a prefectural Tangible Cultural Property

Getting there

• The temple is a twenty-six minute walk from Mikkabi Station

Official site

makayaji.web.fc2.com

Read more about Makaya-ji Temple

An ancient 7th-century temple site featuring excavated foundations and roof tiles linked to the powerful Ihara clan.

What it is

• An ancient temple site located on the northeastern edge of the Shimizu Plain.
• Established in the late 7th century as the family temple of the Ihara clan.
• A religious complex that was likely abandoned by the 12th century.
• A site of intermittent archaeological excavations conducted since 1951.

What to see

• The confirmed remains of a Main Hall and a Lecture Hall.
• A pagoda foundation stone discovered southwest of the Main Hall site.
• Roof tiles with designs resembling those found at Kawaradera in Nara.
• Artifacts from the site displayed at the Shizuoka City Archaeological Center.
• Remains of the former Ihara District government office located nearby.

Read more about Obane Haiji

A historic Tendai sect temple in Yaizu featuring a rare wooden Sho-Kannon statue and a designated cultural property gate.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple founded by the monk Gyoki in the year 738
• The tenth stop on the Suruga 33 Kannon Pilgrimage route
• The only remaining temple of the Tendai sect located in Yaizu City
• Rebuilt between 1688 and 1704 after being burned down by Takeda Shingen

What to see

• A wooden standing statue of Sho-Kannon designated as a prefectural cultural property
• The Deva Gate which is a city-designated tangible cultural property
• A Sho-Kannon statue that originally belonged to the former Tosho-ji temple

Getting there

• The temple site is a 12-minute drive from the Yaizu Interchange

Read more about Hokke-ji Temple

A Soto Zen temple in Fujinomiya housing an ancient Kannon statue and serving as a stop on three pilgrimage routes.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple in Fujinomiya originally founded as a Shingon site named Fukko-ji
• The current site was established in 1571 after warfare destroyed the original buildings
• The temple is dedicated to an image of the Eleven-faced Kannon linked to Kukai
• It serves as a stop on the Suruga, Suruga-Izu, and Fuji Yokomichi pilgrimage routes

What to see

• An image of the Eleven-faced Kannon kept as the main deity
• Historical land grants and protection documents provided by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590

When to go

• The third Sunday of March when the main Kannon image is displayed annually

Read more about Daigo-an Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple founded in 747 featuring a protected wooden Jizobosatsu statue and a unique tea whisk mound.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple originally founded as Jizoin in 747 by the priest Shinsho.
• The temple was relocated to its current site in 1344 after a fire.
• It is dedicated to a wooden seated statue of the deity Jizobosatsu.

What to see

• A seated wooden Jizobosatsu statue designated as a Shizuoka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• The Chasen-zuka tea whisk mound located within the temple grounds.
• Historical markers related to the temple's reconstruction following the 1336 Battle of Hakone-Takenoshita.

Getting there

• The temple is located a seven-minute walk from Ashigara Station.

Read more about Hokyo-ji Temple

Takyō-ji Temple is a historic site with a rebuilt hall and important Buddhist statues.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Daigo-ha temple, founded long ago.
• It is the 15th Fudasho of Suruga Sanjusan Kannon.
• Received land grants from Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• Most of the temple was destroyed by fire in 1870.

What to see

• The Kannon-do hall, rebuilt in 1975.
• The principal image is Senju Kannon, a hibutsu (hidden Buddha).
• A wooden Fudo Myoo standing statue is a prefectural cultural property.
• A wooden Amida Nyorai seated statue is a city cultural property.
• A wooden Dainichi Nyorai seated statue is a city cultural property.

When to go

• The hidden Senju Kannon image is displayed annually in August.

Address

静岡県静岡市葵区建穂2-12-6 Map

Read more about Takyō-ji Temple

Ryōtan-ji Temple features a unique garden designed in the shape of a turtle and a crane.

What it is

• Temple garden designed by Kobori Enshu.
• Designed in the chisen kansho or "pond-appreciation" style.

What to see

• Pond shaped like the kanji character for "heart."
• Traditional Zen temple garden elements: water and stones.
• Rock formations representing mountain ranges.
• Large stone in the center, symbol of the garden.
• Nio stone on the western edge of the pond.
• Horai ganto stone in the center of the pond.

When to go

• Late spring for brilliant pink azalea bushes.
• Spring for delicate white flowers of heather shrubs.
• Autumn for deep red leaves of heather shrubs.

Address

静岡県浜松市浜名区引佐町井伊谷1989 Map

Official site

www.ryotanji.com

Read more about Ryōtan-ji Temple (Hamamatsu)

A Soto Zen temple in Fukuroi City offering pet funerals and tree burials within a historic Shogunate-protected site.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple in Fukuroi City founded by Shiho Sozan in 1577
• The Edo Shogunate designated this site as a guardian temple for Kasuisai
• Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu granted the temple official land rights in 1630
• The facility currently provides specialized services for pet funerals and tree burials

What to see

• The main hall which was purchased and moved from Hoanji in 1959
• The grounds of a former Shogunate-supported temple known as Garyuzan

Getting there

• A ten-minute drive from Fukuroi Station
• A five-minute drive from the Fukuroi Interchange

Official site

unnkouinn.web.fc2.com

Read more about Unkō-in Temple

Explore ancient temple ruins, a national historic site, revealing Japan's early Buddhist architecture.

What it is

• Ancient temple ruin in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Operated from the late 8th to early 10th century.
• Designated a national historic site in 1965.
• Designation name changed to Suruga Kokubunji Site in 2025.

What to see

• Tiles and foundation stones discovered in 1930.
• Excavated remains of main hall, lecture hall, monk's quarters.
• Main hall was 30.9 meters wide and 17 meters deep.
• Raised platform, possibly a pagoda site, found in 2009.
• Tile kiln ruins added to the historic site in 1974.
• Temple area estimated to be 160 meters square.

Read more about Katayama temple ruins

Higiri Jizoson is a historic temple hall, a leading sacred site in Shizuoka Prefecture.

What it is

• A temple hall in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• A leading sacred site in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Founded in 1881.
• Dedicated to Higiri Jizoson Bosatsu, carved into natural stone.

What to see

• The Jizo-do hall, built in 1888.
• The Higiri Jizoson Bosatsu statue.

When to go

• Monthly festival days are on the 26th.
• The main festival day is August 26th.
• Prayer days are the 1st and 26th of each month.

Getting there

• Nearest station is Oigawa Railway Higiri Station.

Address

静岡県島田市島651 Map

Read more about Higiri jizōson

Explore 10th-century temple ruins in the Yumihari Mountains, a National Historic Site.

What it is

• Designated National Historic Site in Kosai City.
• Ruins of a temple built in the mid-10th century.
• Abandoned in the late 11th century.
• Located in the Yumihari Mountains near Ōchiwatoge Pass.

What to see

• Remains of 12 buildings and a temple gate.
• Five Buddhist halls, one measuring 16 by 11 meters.
• Two pond remains with a weir in a central valley.
• Pottery and wooden artifacts unearthed from the site.
• 445 inscribed items with Buddhist characters.
• A Jizo-do hall built in the late 12th century.

Read more about Ōchiwatoge temple ruins

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a historic Kannon pilgrimage site with important cultural properties.

What it is

• It is a Kōyasan Shingon-shu temple.
• The temple was founded in 1559.
• Its main deity is Senju Kannon Bosatsu.
• It is the 19th fudasho of the Suruga Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• The Kannon-do hall is a tangible cultural property.
• The Kannon-do zushi is a tangible cultural property.
• The reinforced concrete main hall is a registered cultural property.
• The bell tower is a registered cultural property.
• The kuri (monks' living quarters) is a registered cultural property.

Address

静岡市葵区音羽町27-8 Map

Read more about Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Daikoji is a Soto Zen temple known for its unique cocoon-shaped tombstones.

What it is

• A Soto Zen Buddhist temple.
• Founded by Daitetsu Sorei in the Muromachi period.
• Daitetsu Sorei was the 8th abbot of Sojiji temple.
• Associated with the legend of the Ko-umare-ishi.

What to see

• Ko-umare-ishi: cocoon-shaped stones used as tombstones.
• First Ko-umare-ishi for Daitetsu Osho weighs about 75kg.
• Natural stone muhoto are rare nationwide.
• Daikoji no Muhoto is a city-designated scenic spot.

Getting there

• About 2km from Makinohara Interchange.

Address

静岡県牧之原市西萩間426 Map

Read more about Daikō-ji Temple

Historic temple that served as the first US consulate, offering a unique glimpse into early Japan-US relations.

What it is

• Soto Zen Buddhist temple, originally Shingon sect.
• Converted to Soto Zen during the Tensho era (1573-1592).
• Designated as a resting place for Americans in 1854.
• Site of the first American consulate from 1856 to 1859.

What to see

• Principal image is Shaka Nyorai.
• Monument to Townsend Harris, erected in 1927.
• Harris Memorial Hall displays Harris-related materials.
• Graves of five American crew members from the 1850s.
• Separate Russian cemetery for four Russian crew members.

Address

静岡県下田市柿崎31-6 Map

Official site

www.izu-gyokusenji.or.jp

Read more about Gyokusen-ji Temple

Chimaji Temple offers ancient cedar trees and historic buildings from powerful figures.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Founded between 767 and 770 by Hirochi.
• Rebuilt in 1189 by Minamoto no Yoritomo's order.
• Current main hall built by Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What to see

• Main Hall is a national Important Cultural Property.
• Giant cedar trees on the temple grounds.
• Juppon Sugi is a national natural monument.
• Wooden statue of Senju Kannon is a Prefectural Cultural Property.
• Chumon, Yakushido, and Nio-mon are Prefectural Cultural Properties.

Address

静岡県島田市千葉254 Map

Read more about Chiman-ji Temple

Taiseki-ji is the head temple of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, founded in 1290, with significant cultural properties.

What it is

• Head temple of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
• Founded in 1290 by Nikko, the second patriarch.
• Named after the place Oishigahara.
• Nanjō Tokimitsu was the founding patron.

What to see

• Five-story pagoda is a cultural property.
• Miei-do Hall is a designated cultural property.
• Sanmon Gate is a designated cultural property.
• Hōan-dō Hall enshrines the Honmon Kaidan no Dai-Gohonzon.
• Over 50 buildings, including halls and dormitories.
• Over 120 principal images are stored here.

Address

静岡県富士宮市上条2057 Map

Official site

www.nichirenshoshu.or.jp

Read more about Taiseki-ji Temple

Explore the ruins of an ancient Buddhist temple, a National Special Historic Site.

What it is

• Ruins of a Nara period Buddhist temple.
• One of the Kokubun-ji temples built by Emperor Shomu.
• Ordered in 741 AD, it served Tōtōmi Province.
• Designated a National Special Historic Site.

What to see

• Foundation of the main hall, 34 meters east-west.
• Rare wooden-clad foundation of the main buildings.
• Earthen wall that surrounded the temple grounds.
• A wooden lantern is being restored on site.

When to go

• Open to the public as a historic site park.

Address

静岡県磐田市見付3046 Map

Read more about Tōtōmi Kokubun-ji Temple

Ancient Soto Zen temple in a hot spring resort, known for its history and cultural properties.

What it is

• Soto Zen Buddhist temple, founded in 807.
• Originally called Katsuraya-san-ji.
• Minamoto no Noriyori and Yoriie were confined and killed here.
• Rebuilt as a Soto Zen temple by Hojo Soun.

What to see

• Current main hall, rebuilt in 1883.
• Wooden seated statue of Dainichi Nyorai.
• Song Dynasty edition of Hokobannya-kyo.
• Wooden seated statue of Shaka Nyorai.
• Katsura tree of Shuzen-ji.

Getting there

• Located in the center of Shuzenji hot spring resort.

Address

〒410-2416 静岡県伊豆市修善寺964 Map

Official site

shuzenji-temple.com

Read more about Shuzen-ji Temple