Overview
Senryu-ji is a Soto Zen temple in Murayama, Takane-cho, in the city of Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture. Its full name is Uhozan Senryu-ji, and its principal image is Yakushi Rurikonyorai, the Buddha of healing. Standing among the foothill villages at the southern base of the Yatsugatake Mountains, this old temple carries a long story that began with Heian-era mountain worship and later turned toward Zen. Its priest’s quarters preserve a rare Muromachi-period devotional painting.
Highlights
- ●An old Soto Zen temple enshrining Yakushi Rurikonyorai
- ●A Uho Doji devotional painting attributed to the Muromachi era, kept in the quarters
- ●A long history of conversion from Shingon to Soto Zen
- ●Its historic tie as the family temple of the Asakawa brothers
History
Founded in the Heian period, the temple is said to have begun as a Shingon establishment and flourished as one of the core temples of mountain worship. It was later converted into a Soto Zen temple, whose two head temples are Eihei-ji and Soji-ji, and it has continued as a place of Zen practice ever since. It is a branch temple of Seiko-ji and the 25th stop on the Henmi-suji pilgrimage route. It is also known as the family temple of the brothers Noritaka and Takumi Asakawa, remembered for their study of Korean ceramics and for afforestation, and its quarters hold a Uho Doji devotional painting attributed to the Muromachi era.
Access
The temple lies at Murayama, Takane-cho, Hokuto City, near latitude 35.83 and longitude 138.41. Set in the highland zone at the southern foot of Yatsugatake, it is most easily reached by car from central Hokuto or the stations of the Chuo Main Line. As it is an active temple, it is best to confirm in advance whether the grounds may be visited and whether its cultural properties are on view.
Best season
Early summer, with the crisp air typical of the southern Yatsugatake foothills and fresh greenery, and autumn, when the surrounding hills turn color, are both fine for a visit. The elevation is high and winters are cold, so watch for snow and road conditions. For quiet and the atmosphere of an old temple, a weekday with few visitors is ideal.
Map
35.8314, 138.4093 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Arrive at Senryu-ji in Murayama, Takane-cho, Hokuto, and pass through the gate
- 2Pay your respects in the main hall before Yakushi Rurikonyorai
- 3Reflect on the temple name “Uhozan” and its roots in mountain worship
- 4Stroll the surroundings while taking in the southern Yatsugatake foothill scenery
Did you know?
💡 The mountain name in its full title, “Uhozan,” echoes the Uho Doji devotional painting kept in the priest’s quarters. Its role as the family temple of the Asakawa brothers, known for collecting and studying Korean ceramics and for forestry work, is another little-known facet of this temple.
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