Ryusenji Temple is located at Shimo-ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama-City and it is said that Ryusenji Temple was founded by Hoo-on Taishi who was undertaking the Buddhist mountain training here in the Tenpyo-shoho, Nara era (749 ~ 757).
From long ago, this was a sacred place for believers in Iwakura religion and the Buddhist mountain training place for Hoo-on Taishi, who succeeded in this.
At the same time, it was the sacred place for ordinary people who believed HatidaiRyuo as a god for “rain and water” and Inari-Sama as a god for “agriculture and rich harvest”.
The present Ryusenji Temple was founded by Nichigo Shonin at the end of the Edo period. The lower class Samurais who lost their occupation at the Meiji Restration, gathered under Nichigo Shonin and shared their religion and daily life together. Many of the present stone walls and buildings were built by them.
In Meiji 22(1889), the Temple inherited Daikei-zan Ryusenji. In Showa 26 (1951), the Temple became the main temple of the highest position of “Nichirenshu-Saijyokyo sect” and was renamed as “Saijo-Honzan Otaki Ryusenji”.
We celebrate Saijoi Kyo-o Daibosatsu ( Saijo-sama, Oinari-sama), HatidaiRyuo( the god of rain and water), Kishibojin( a patron god of children) and Sanmen Daikokuten.

Shinnen Kaiun Sai (1st to 15th Jan.)

We pray for everyone’s prosperity, happiness and flourishing business opportunity for the New Year.

Hatsuuma Sai (The first “Uma no hi” in Feb.)

Commemorating the day ( Wado 4(711), the first “Uma no hi” in February) when Saijo-sama appeared and we celebrate this day.
The principal statue of Buddha, Saijoi Kyo-o Bosatsu is only shown on this day.

HachidaiRyuo Sai (3rd Sunday in April)

HachidaiRyuo is the water god as well as dragon god. It is said that HachidaiRyuo changes into eight forms according to people’s wishes and saves pepole. Celebrated as a god for plentiful rain, good harvest and Iron refining.
“Ryuo Lake” is the main body of HachidaiRyuo and this festival takes place in front of HachidaiRyuo-Daihoto(huge monument of HatidaiRyuo) which is by the lake.

Otaki Matsuri (4th Sunday in July)

Otaki Matsuri is the waterfall festival. This is the major summer festival. Kogin-sai, Hojo-sai and Omikoshi-Takiiri-sai takes place.
At Kosgin-sai, we pray for gods coming down to Omikoshi(portable shrine) at the main temple building at dawn.
At Hojo-sai, the portable shrine is placed at the HachidaiRyuo’s sacred lake, and the sacred young carp are released one by one with the thanks to the spirit of living creatures.
At Omikoshi-Takiiri-sai, after placing the portable shrine at Otaki Honden, prays and the portable shrine emerges into the waterfall. Then the spiritual ritual like Rokkon-Syojyo takes place. Prayers flags are placed inside the portable shrine and are purified by the waterfall and the prayers reach the gods.

Migawari-Jizo Sai (3rd Sunday in Oct.)

There was a country track from Bizen Ichinomiya leading to Bichu Ashimori where there were sometimes petty thieves near Koi Ike in Edo era. People at Kami-ashimori Kami-no-cho placed Jizo-sama instead of them and prayed for safety in Jokyo era (1684~1687).
18th October Showa 18 (1943), this festival was moved from the people to Ryusenji Temple and since then “Migawari-Jizo Sai” takes place here at Ryusenji Temple in October every year.

Ohitaki Sai (2nd Saturday and Sunday in Dec.)

At Ohitaki Sai, we burn sacred papers which last for a year, and wish health and safety from the spirits of the fire.