Buddhist temple
Saijō-ji
最乗寺（さいじょうじ）
Minamiashigara, Kanagawa Prefecture
A Sōtō sect temple in the mountains of Ashigara, with Shakamuni Butsu as its principal image and the bodhisattvas Monju and Fugen placed at its sides. It is a training place also known for faith in its guardian, Dōryō Daisatta (Dōryōson).
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Shakamuni Butsu
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, Zen Master Ryōan Emyō, led by the wondrous event of a great eagle carrying his kesa into the mountains of Ashigara, opened a temple here and in Ōei 1 (1394) named it Daiyūzan Saijō-ji. Dōryō Sonja, who came to study under the master, devoted himself to building the temple, and after the master's death he is said to have vowed to protect the mountain and vanished from sight.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
In the official transport information, bus destinations and the like are written as “Dōryōson.”
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 最乗寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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