Zuiryuji Temple

Zuiryuji Temple (瑞龍寺), located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1659 by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, as a memorial temple for his father Maeda Toshinaga. It is considered one of the most important temples in the Hokuriku region.

The temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture and art, reflecting the elegance and refinement of the Edo period. The Zen-style temple buildings feature simple and austere lines, yet are adorned with intricate carvings, paintings, and decorations. The temple complex follows a Chinese-style layout, with the Sanmon Gate, Butsuden (Buddha Hall), and Hatto (Dharma Hall) aligned in a straight line, flanked by symmetrical corridors.

One of the highlights of Zuiryuji Temple is the Butsuden, designated as a National Treasure. It houses a statue of the seated Buddha, along with other important Buddhist statues and paintings. The Butsuden’s roof is covered in lead tiles, weighing a total of 47 tons.

Another important building is the Hojo, the former head priest’s quarters. The Hojo is known for its beautiful garden, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, designed in the traditional Japanese style with a pond, rocks, and trees.

Zuiryuji Temple also has other structures designated as Important Cultural Properties, including the Somon (main gate), Zendo (meditation hall), Daikuri (large kitchen-residence), corridors, and Daichado (large tea house).

The temple holds the Zuiryuji Spring Grand Festival annually on April 20th, the anniversary of Maeda Toshinaga’s death.

Getting there

From Takaoka Station to Zuiryuji Temple:

Walk	About 12 minutes (850 m)

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM December 10th to January 31st / 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission	Adults: 500 yen Junior high school and high school students: 200 yen Elementary school students: 100 yen
Phone	+81 766-22-0179
Address	〒933-0863 Toyama, Takaoka, Sekihonmachi, ３５
Official Website	https://www.zuiryuji.jp/