Ryuanji in Minoo Park styles itself the oldest temple in Japan dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of knowledge, beauty and the arts. Benzaiten is associated with water, and her temples are often located near a pond, lake or the sea. That’s the case here too, with the thundering Minoo Falls just a stone’s throw away. According to legend, the ascetic and mystic En no Gyoja established what was to become Ryuanji in the year 658, after receiving divine guidance from Benzaiten while engaged in ascetic practice by the falls.
Ryuanji is also considered the birthplace of Japan’s first lottery, the Minotomi, a reenactment of which takes place at the temple on October 10 every year. Participants purchase a small charm with a numbered fortune slip, and those whose slip matches any of the three winning numbers receive a special charm and plaque believed to grant luck and divine protection.
Though the temple buildings aren’t open to the public, select structures along with Ryuanji’s rock garden can be viewed on special opening days (usually during the Golden Week of national holidays from late April to early May).