NaraTravel

Mount Ōmine Ryusenji Temple (大峯山龍泉寺)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Hike the walking trail for approximately 2 hours featuring emerald pools, waterfalls, and suspension bridges

About 30 min from the previous stop

About 45 min here

About 60 min to the next stop

Next stop: Ride the mini monorail to the stalactite cave and view stalactite formations in the cool cavern

About this spot

A grand head temple of the Shingon sect Daigo school standing at the entrance to Dorogawa Hot Spring Town, known as the root dojo of Mount Ōmine's mountain ascetic practice. The temple has a water purification ritual area where ascetics first cleanse themselves before entering Mount Ōmine, and the grounds feature a pond filled with clear spring water issuing from 'Dragon's Mouth.' The pristine surface reflecting colorful koi, vermillion-painted bridges, and the deep green of towering cedar trees create a space that calms the spirit simply by walking through it. Testing the 'Nadeishi' (stroking stone) with friends—said to lift lightly when stroked but become heavy when struck—is one of the enjoyable experiences. After the gorge hike, this serene spot is perfect for taking a slow, deep breath and shifting into explore-the-town mode.

Tips

A 5-minute walk from Dorogawa Hot Spring Bus Stop, located at the western edge of the hot spring town. Admission is free and the grounds are flat and easy to walk, manageable even after hiking. The water purification areas and pond surroundings are sacred spaces, so please visit quietly. It's most efficient to stop by while exploring the hot spring town.