Ryushoin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Namegawa, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. Belonging to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism, the temple is officially known as Ryushoin and has the mountain name Namegawasan. It is widely known by its popular name, “Namekawa Kannon”.
Ryushoin is also the 28th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, a traditional pilgrimage route connecting 33 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. The temple’s principal object of worship is Juichimen Kannon, the Eleven-Headed Kannon, who is traditionally believed to offer blessings for longevity, safe childbirth, child-rearing, and protection from misfortune.
The history of Ryushoin is traditionally traced back to 838. According to temple tradition, Oda Masaharu, the lord of Namekawa Castle, initiated the construction of the temple, while the renowned Buddhist monk Ennin, also known as Jikaku Daishi, is said to have founded it.
Ennin was an influential monk of the Tendai school who played an important role in the development of Buddhism in Japan. Ryushoin is traditionally associated with his teachings and the religious culture of the Tendai tradition.
According to tradition, the temple’s Eleven-Headed Kannon originated with a small Buddhist statue discovered by Oda Masaharu. He is said to have encountered an elderly monk who had retrieved a tiny Kannon statue from the Oda River.
The original statue was approximately 1 sun and 2 bu in size, or about 3.6 centimeters tall. It was later placed inside a larger statue of Kannon and became the sacred inner image associated with the temple’s principal object of worship. The story continues to form an important part of Ryushoin’s religious tradition.
The temple’s Kannon Hall was rebuilt in 1696 with a donation from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the fifth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The building features an irimoya-zukuri hipped-and-gabled roof and a five-bay hall layout. Its imposing appearance reflects the architectural style of the Edo period. The Kannon Hall has been designated a Chiba Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property and is valued for both its architectural and historical significance.
The temple’s Nio Gate is another major highlight. It is traditionally said to have been rebuilt during the Bunki era (1501–1504) and has retained its historic form.
The gate is considered an example of late Muromachi-period architecture and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its traditional construction includes a three-bay, single-door, eight-legged gate structure, a hipped roof, and a thatched covering.
The imposing gate provides a striking entrance to the temple grounds and gives visitors a sense of the architectural traditions of medieval Japan.
The Nio Gate is valued not only for its age but also for its architectural craftsmanship and artistic qualities. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1916 and has been carefully preserved as an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
Ryushoin also preserves other historic objects associated with Buddhist worship. Notable examples include a cast-bronze waniguchi, a traditional Buddhist temple gong, and a bronze hōkyōintō pagoda.
These objects have been designated Chiba Prefecture Tangible Cultural Properties and provide a glimpse into the religious practices and craftsmanship of earlier periods of Japanese history.
Two pine trees known as the “Meoto Matsu,” or Married Couple Pines, stand within the temple grounds. The paired trees are regarded as a symbol of harmony between couples and strong family bonds.
The trees are a popular spot for visitors who come to pray for marital harmony and the well-being of their families. They also add a distinctive natural feature to the peaceful temple grounds.
Ryushoin’s traditional Goeika pilgrimage poem is:
“Oto ni kiku Namekawa-dera no Asahigafuchi, ami-goromo nite sukū nari keri.”
Goeika are traditional Japanese Buddhist pilgrimage poems associated with sacred temples and pilgrimage routes. This poem expresses the spiritual power attributed to the Kannon of Ryushoin and has been passed down as part of the temple’s devotional tradition.
The traditional mantra associated with the temple’s principal image is “On makakyaronika sowaka.” Chanting such mantras is part of Buddhist devotional practice and reflects the temple’s continuing role as a place of worship.
As the 28th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, Ryushoin attracts pilgrims and worshippers from many places. The Eleven-Headed Kannon is traditionally revered as a guardian offering blessings for long life, safe childbirth, child-rearing, and protection from disasters and misfortune.
Visitors therefore come not only to appreciate the temple’s historic architecture but also to pray for the health, safety, and happiness of themselves and their families.
Ryushoin Temple is approximately a 20-minute walk from Namegawa Station on the JR Narita Line.
Visitors can also take the Narita City Community Bus on the Mizukake Route from Namegawa Station or from the East Exit of Keisei Narita Station. Get off at the Namekawa Kannon-mae bus stop, which is located close to the temple.
The combination of train and community bus services makes the temple accessible for travelers exploring the historic areas around Narita.
Ryushoin is the 28th temple on the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The preceding temple, number 27, is Enpukuji Temple in Choshi City, while the following temple, number 29, is Chiba-dera Temple in Chiba City.
For travelers interested in Japanese Buddhist culture, visiting Ryushoin as part of a pilgrimage provides an opportunity to explore a network of historic temples stretching across the Kanto region.
Ryushoin has also been selected as one of the “500 Charms of Boso”, recognizing its combination of historical value and natural beauty. Although the temple remains an important pilgrimage destination, its quiet grounds also offer visitors a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere.
The temple grounds change with the seasons. Cherry blossoms add color in spring, while lush green trees provide shade during summer. In autumn, the surrounding foliage takes on vivid shades of red and gold.
These seasonal landscapes complement the historic buildings and cultural properties, creating a setting where visitors can experience both the architectural heritage and natural beauty of the region.
Ryushoin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with more than a thousand years of religious tradition. Its revered Eleven-Headed Kannon, impressive Kannon Hall, historic Nio Gate, and other cultural properties make it an especially interesting destination for travelers seeking to understand Japan’s Buddhist heritage.
At the same time, the temple’s peaceful natural surroundings, Married Couple Pines, seasonal scenery, and role in the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage give the site a welcoming atmosphere beyond its architectural importance.
When visiting Narita City, consider making time for Ryushoin to experience a quieter side of Chiba, where Japanese Buddhist tradition, historic architecture, pilgrimage culture, and nature come together.