Untoan Temple

An ancient temple of the Echigo region with more than 1,200 years of history

Calm your mind and attain peace in the grounds of this temple surrounded by nature—the many soaring trees, mossy rock-hewn path, and wave upon wave of cicada song.

As you walk from the red gate to the main hall of the temple, you will find a stone path, with each stone tile bearing a single character from the Lotus Sutra. It is believed that whoever steps firmly on these stone tiles will have their sins forgiven and enjoy happiness and good fortune.

Untoan was also the setting for the NHK historical drama Tenchijin. It is also the temple where Kakekatsu Uesugi and Kanetsugu Naoe were left in the care of the temple priest to be taught and cultured. In the quiet confines of the Zen hall it is possible for visitors to experience Zen meditation (reservations required, from groups of 10 people).

General Information

Address
新潟県南魚沼市雲洞660
Prices
Entrance fee
Adults 300 yen
Elementary school students 100 yen
Opening Times
Mid-April-November 9:00-17:00
December-mid-April 10:00-15:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing time)
Closures
Wednesday (excluding national holidays and New Year period)
Directions
30 minutes by car from Echigo Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line
10 minutes by car from Shiozawa Station or Muikamachi Station on the JR Joetsu Line (Hokuhoku Line)
15 minutes by car from Shiozawa Ishiuchi Interchange or Muikamachi Interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway
Car Park
Yes
Word-of-mouth
Reviews (TripAdvisor)

Contact

Telephone Number
025-782-0520