Daiyusan Saijo-ji

Daiyusan Saijo-ji is an ancient temple of the Soto Zen sect founded in 1394 (Oei 1) by Abbot Ryoan Emyo. According to legend, a tengu named Doriu appeared at the time of the temple's founding and assisted in its construction; to this day, Doriu is revered as the guardian deity of the temple. Nestled in the mountains of Ashigara, this temple is known as one of the foremost tengu sacred sites of the Kanto region and serves as a training hall where monks engage in rigorous Zen practice. The grounds feature giant cryptomeria trees hundreds of years old standing in rows, creating a mystical atmosphere. Many warlords and literati visited to cultivate their spiritual refinement, making it a sacred site of great historical significance.