Inside the grounds of Soto sect of Zen Buddhism Rurizan Ioji, commonly known as Camellia Temple, over 1,000 camellias are planted. The colors are white, red, and light pink. The petals are either single-fold or eight-fold. Therefore, you can see a variety of camellias there.

In the temple grounds, “sazanka,” a 250 year-old tree that is a symbol of the temple, forms the image of a house with a thatch roof. Thanks to amazing maintenance, we can enjoy its appeal.

You should also see the turtle formed from the same “sazanka” tree.

During the season of the flowers, the park is lit-up, which allows you to enjoy the tree in a different way.

The main temple was reconstructed in 2005. Thanks to local, modern artisans and various workers with superior talents, ranmas (openwork screens above the sliding partitions between rooms), pictures, etc. have been constructed. The result was the opening of a temple that is coherent with the region.

Also, this temple is the 39th temple in the pilgrimage of Kobo Daishi.