Ryūonji — Local services in Ogose

In October 2023, I was driving to an onsen hotel in Agano after a long illness. I decided to take a “short-cut” backroad over the mountains instead of following Route 299. I am not good at driving such roads but I am glad I took this risk because I happened to stumble upon Ryūonji (龍穏寺). Like others who left reviews here, I was not expecting to find something big, beautiful, and old in this remote location. It was late afternoon, but there was still some light. I did not see anyone else there. I felt like an explorer stumbling upon an ancient treasure. I hope more people can visit this incredible place. From what I have read in the comments left by others, there is much history here to appreciate. Thank you, Japan, for sharing these peaceful, natural spaces with visitors and international residents like me....

The main building of this temple was lost to fire and rebuilt in the early 20th century, but the gate and side buildings are original and covered in amazingly detailed carvings you can see right up close for no charge. A bit out of the way, best by car but also within walking distance of the stop for the bus from...

最寄り駅東武越生線、JR八高線　越生駅　西口の川越観光バスで上大満下車 （20分位ですが本数が1時間に1本レベルなので注意が必要です）から徒歩25〜30分位（結構坂を登ります） 又は駅で電動自転車のレンタルサイクリングがありました。4時間以内1000円、 4時間以上1500円になっていました

龍穏寺（りゅうおんじ）は、曹洞宗の寺院。山号は長昌山（ちょうしょうさん） 9世紀から15世紀 - 近隣の霊場・黒山三滝や秩父・三峰山の影響もあり、天台宗系の修験道に属した。この頃の名称は瑞雲山長昌寺。1430年（永享2年） - 室町幕府6代将軍・足利義教が開基となり、上杉持朝が再建立。開山には無極慧徹が招かれ、曹洞宗に改められた。1472年（文明4年） - 太田道灌・道真により中興され、堂宇が建てられる。1504年（永正元年） -...