■Ryugeji Temple, Shimizu

Ryugeji Temple is a Buddhist temple which was built in the early Edo period.

The large cycas revoluta and cactus in the garden are certified as a national natural treasure.
It is also popular among anime-fans since Ryugeji was used as the model of a temple that appears in the anime movie: “Haruchika”.

🌸 Highlights – Ryugeji Temple (Shizuoka City)

  • Historic Zen Temple
    A serene Rinzai‑sect Zen temple founded in the 14th century, known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional architecture.
  • Beautiful Japanese Garden
    The temple features a classic kare‑sansui (dry landscape) garden with moss, stones, and carefully shaped trees—an ideal place for quiet reflection and photography.
  • Impressive Five‑Story Pagoda
    The red pagoda on the hillside is one of the temple’s most iconic sights. It creates a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery and seasonal flowers.
  • Seasonal Beauty
    Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greens in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and crisp, quiet winter scenery make the temple enjoyable year‑round.
  • Local Hidden Gem
    Unlike major tourist spots, Ryugeji is calm and uncrowded, offering an authentic, contemplative temple experience.

💡 Useful Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes—the temple grounds include slopes and stone paths.
  • Photography is welcome outdoors, but be respectful around worship areas.
  • Best time to visit: morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer visitors.
  • Combine with nearby attractions such as Nihondaira, Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, or Shizuoka City viewpoints.
  • Quiet atmosphere—ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful cultural stop away from busy tourist areas.

🚐 Access from Shimizu Port (Hinode Pier) to Ryugeji Temple

1. By Taxi – Fastest & Easiest

  • Travel time: approx. 20–25 minutes
  • Direct and convenient, especially for cruise passengers with limited time.

2. Shuttle Bus → JR Shimizu Station → Local Bus

  1. Free Shuttle Bus (on cruise‑ship days)
    • Hinode Pier → JR Shimizu Station
    • 10 minutes
  2. Local Bus
    • From JR Shimizu Station, take a bus toward Nihondaira / Yada area
    • Get off near Ryugeji Temple (stop names vary by route)
    • 15–20 minutes by bus
    • Short walk to the temple entrance

　　　Total: approx. 35–45 minutes

3. On Foot

  • Walking from Hinode Pier to Ryugeji Temple takes about 45 minutes
  • Suitable only for travelers who enjoy long walks and have ample time before returning to the ship

🗺️ Location

Sights and Experience from Shimizu Port

■Shimizu Area
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Shimizu Port), Shimizu　　Ryugeji Temple, Shimizu　　Seishintei Tea House, Shimizu Funakoshi Tsutsumi Park, Shizuoka, Shimizu　　Shimizu Ekimae Ginza Shopping Street, Shimizu　　Shimizu Fish Market, Riverside Market, Shimizu　　Shimizu Port Seamen’s Inn Museum”SUEHIRO”, Shimizu　　Minowa Inari Shrine, Shimizu　　Shimizuminato Jirocho Seika (Jirocho’s Birthplace), Shimizu　　Miho no Matsubara　　Nihondaira ( Yume-Terrace)　　Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan　　Nihondaira Ropeway　　Nippondaira Hotel　　Kunozan Toshogu Shrine　　Satta Pass　　Jiji-in Temple, Shizuoka　　▲Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art 【Long-Term Closure】
■Shizuoka Area
Oden Yokocho ( Aoba Yokocho), Shizuoka　　Shizuoka City Museum of History　　Shizuoka Gofuku-cho Shopping Street　　Shizuoka Hobby Square　　Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka　　Sumpu Castle Park, Shizuoka
■Eastern Shizuoka Area
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)　　Hakone Area　　Owakudani Valley, Hakone　　Mishima Sky Walk　　Fuji Safari Park　　Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park, Gotemba　　Gotemba Premium Outlets, Gotemba　　Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka　　Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fuji-City　　Jinba Falls, Fujinomiya　　Lake Tanuki　　Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya　　Taiseki-Ji Temple, Fujinomiya　　Obuchi-sasaba, Fuji-City
■Close to Mt.Fuji
Oshino Hakkai　　Lake Kawaguchi　　Lake Motosu　　Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba　　Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida　　Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja, Fujiyoshida　　Narusawa Ice Cave　　Yurari Hot Springs （Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari）