Daiyuzan Saijo-ji is a vastly underrated place to see and is often left off of travel guides.  This is surprising because it's actually the 3rd most important Buddhist temple in all of Japan.

I read about this temple before I went, but for such a beautiful place, there isn't much English information on it available.  This was the most informative post I found.  I recommend reading it if you would like to know more history behind the temple- it's really interesting!

This temple is really beautiful- especially during the fall!  There's also a waterfall that flows through the temple grounds which makes it an even more relaxing experience.  

There's quite a lot to see in this location including these sculptures of giant geta sandals.  There's a legend that if a pregnant mother passes beneath them, she will have an easy delivery.

To get to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji, you must take the local Daiyuzan Line from Odawara Station to Daiyuzan Station, which is the last stop.  Then you can walk or take a bus.  I heard the walk is very nice, but I took a bus because I was alone and didn't want to get lost.

I highly recommend visiting this temple.  I think it might be one of my favorite places in Japan now.  It's a little off the beaten path but I think that makes it a truly unique place to visit.  I don't recommend this place if you aren't physically capable of walking because there are many stairs.

--

Written by Carly Susman (www.carly-rose.com)
All photos property of Carly Susman
Follow for more @carlycarbonate