Also known as the "Dragon Spring Temple", Ryusenji is a major temple in the city of Meguro, slightly southwest of Shibuya. The temple is of the Tendai sect, the dominant sect of Buddhism in Japan prior to the 12th century and the rise of Zen with the warriors governments. The temple is home to effigies of the fearsome deities called Myô. These Myô are often half naked and have auras of fire blazing behind them. Ryusenji is known for its Fudo Myô effigy with distinctive black eyes (the effigy gave the name of Meguro to the city which literally means "black eyes"). The temple was built in 808 by the monk Jikakudaishi Ennin and following a dream featuring Fudo Myô, he carved a wooden sculpture of the deity and housed it in the temple.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 8.

Ryusenji is a very cool temple which is definitely off the beaten path. Requiring a bit of extra navigation, the work is well worth it to turn the corner and see the first gate to Ryusenji in its red glory. Passing through the first gate, visitors come across a pond surrounded by various images but mostly that of Fudo Myô. Climbing the stairs to the temple itself is like climbing a stairway to heaven as the trees above block out light leaving the temple to shine ahead. The temple itself is beautiful with well kept gardens and additional statues all around the main building.