龍前院

Overview

Ryuzen-in is a temple of the Soto Zen sect in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Carrying on the teachings of Soto Zen, known for its practice of seated meditation, the temple stands quietly amid the calm residential neighborhoods of Chigasaki on the Shonan coast. In a city famed for its beaches, it is cherished as a familiar Zen temple that supports local faith.

Highlights

• ●A Soto Zen temple in the lineage of the founder Dogen
• ●A location in the calm residential area of Shonan Chigasaki
• ●The serene mood distinctive to a meditation-centered Zen sect
• ●A place of worship revealing the quiet side of the seaside town

History

Ryuzen-in has been handed down as a Soto Zen temple in the land of Chigasaki. The Soto sect, founded by Dogen, is a school of Zen that emphasizes shikantaza, the practice of just sitting in meditation. As a local family temple, Ryuzen-in has stayed close to the lives of the community and long preserved its flame. For its detailed history, please refer to official sources.

Map

35.3395, 139.3921 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from JR Chigasaki Station toward Ryuzen-in
2. 2Pay respects at the main hall of this Soto Zen temple
3. 3Spend a quiet moment in the grounds and settle your mind
4. 4Extend your walk to the Shonan seashore and the streets of Chigasaki

Did you know?

💡 Chigasaki is often associated first with surfing and the sea, but the presence of a Zen temple like Ryuzen-in rooted in the community reveals another quiet face of this town.

Nearby spots