◆ Hear the fascinating history of this ancient temple associated with powerful emperors, samurai and lords
◆ Observe historic national treasures like the Kanazawa Bunko, some of oldest printed books in the world
◆ Visit the temple's magnificent garden, a National Site of Scenic Beauty designed by a famous artist of the Edo period
◆ Walk the grounds of Iinoya-gu Shrine, dedicated to an ancient prince and poet 

On this tour you will visit the grounds of Ryotanji Temple, an ancient Zen temple in Hamamatsu first established in 733AD. The temple is considered the family temple of the powerful Ii clan, notable members of which include, Naotora Ii, a famous female war lord, and Naosuke Ii, the prime minister responsible for reopening Japan after 214 years of isolation. 

Ryotanji is well-known for its artistic architecture and impressive grounds. Its main hall's flooring is made in the uguisubari, or nightingale, method, a style designed to emit creaking noises (not unlike a nightingale's song) when you walk on it. This flooring, along with the temple's distinctive dragon sculpture, was created by Jingoro Hidari, an important artist of the seventeenth century. Other significant sights in Ryotanji include the Kanazawa Bunko, a collection of books believed to be some of the oldest in the world, and the Joroku-no Daibutsu, a giant golden Buddha statue.  

The temple's main attraction, however, is its classic Zen garden, a designated National Site of Scenic Beauty. Made in the chisen-kaisho style, it is best viewed from the temple's veranda. As part of the your experience, you will explore its many features, including a pond shaped like the chinese character for "heart."

After the temple, you will visit nearby Iinoya-gu shrine. Built in 1872, it is dedicated to the deified spirit of Prince Munenaga, a poet and emperor's son, and once head of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, who died defending the reign of his father.