Ryufukuji is a Zen temple in Yamaguchi City. Originally it was Rinzai sect but was later converted to Soto sect.
It is one of the best places in the city to view autumn colours as the approach to the temple gate is lined with maple trees.
Once you pass through the gate all turns yellow from a huge Gingko tree...
Like so many temples, it has been rebuilt many times and moved to different locations.
Its current location is within the grounds of what used to be the Ouchi Clan mansion.
The Ouchi were an ancient clan, claiming descent from Korean immigrants. They are also believed to have introduced the cult of Myoken into Japan.
During the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), when Kyoto was devastated by war, the Ouchi established Yamaguchi as an alternative to Kyoto with many aspects of elite culture.
They were eventually defeated by the Mori Clan who went on to rule most of the Chugoku region.
The main hall with its cypress bark roof dates to 1479 and is an Important Cultural Property.
A small building in the grounds is a museum with artitacts relating to the Ouchi Clan.
The original temple, before renaming and relocating several times, dates to the first decade of the 13th century.
The honzon is a Shaka Nyorai, the Japanese name for Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha.
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