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Seisuiji Temple: A Tranquil Mountain Retreat

Discover tranquility at Seisuiji Temple on Sado Island, a historic Buddhist sanctuary with Kyoto-inspired architecture and serene natural surroundings.

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Seisuiji Temple, nestled on Sado Island, is a serene Buddhist temple founded in 808 by a monk from Kyoto. Known for its main hall resembling Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, it offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Sado's rich history.

A brief summary to Seisuiji Temple

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to experience the temple's serene atmosphere, especially when fog blankets the surrounding forest.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the ancient ginkgo trees in front of the temple gate, believed to be around 700 years old.
  • Look for the crystal stream welling up from the earth behind the temple, which has been used as a water source for centuries.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Ryotsu Port, take a local bus towards Niibo. Get off at the 'Ishina Kita' bus stop, which is the closest stop to Seisuiji Temple. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the temple. Bus fares are calculated based on distance, with a minimum fare of ¥210. A one-day bus pass is available for ¥1,500.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Ryotsu Port. A taxi to Seisuiji Temple will take approximately 20-30 minutes. The cost is approximately ¥3,000-¥4,000. Okesa Taxi is one of the taxi companies that operates on Sado Island.

  • Car

    Seisuiji Temple is located in Niibo Ono, Sado. From Ryotsu Port, follow Route 45 towards Niibo. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There is free parking available near the temple. Be aware that roads on Sado Island can be narrow.

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Discover more about Seisuiji Temple

Seisuiji Temple, officially Dantoku-san Seisui-ji, is a captivating Buddhist temple located on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. Founded in 808 under Emperor Kanmu's decree by the Buddhist monk Ken'o Hoshi, who journeyed from Kyoto, the temple has been a place of spiritual solace for centuries. The temple's name, Seisuiji, shares the same kanji as Kyoto's famed Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), though pronounced differently, and its main hall is designed to emulate the iconic wooden stage of its Kyoto counterpart. Legend says that prior to the temple's construction, the priest Ken'o Hoshi was led to the site by a shining light in a stream, where a child spirit requested that a temple be built to honor the location. The main deity venerated at Seisuiji is the 1000-armed Kannon Bosatsu, the Goddess of Mercy, mirroring the principal worship at Kiyomizu-dera. The temple complex provides a sense of stepping back in time, with its aged structures and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Guzeden Hall, which imitates the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, and appreciate the artistry of the Enmeizenzaijurosonten, the god of longevity, worshipped here. A notable painting, "Zenzaijurojin," by the master artist Mahori Hogan Yoshitaka, was also donated to the temple. The temple is also part of Sado's Seven Gods of Fortune pilgrimage route. In front of the temple gate stand two ancient ginkgo trees, estimated to be around 700 years old, revered by locals and believed to protect the temple from fire.

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