Summer Temple Escape to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji (with optional Odawara Castle trip)

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If fewer than 10 people sign up, I’ll plan to postpone to the following week instead. Thanks for understanding!
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Looking to escape Tokyo’s summer heat and explore somewhere serene, cool, and deeply spiritual?
Join us for a day trip to Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple (大雄山 最乗寺) — a magical mountain temple tucked in the cedar forests of Kanagawa. It’s the perfect way to slow down, breathe fresh air, and experience a bit of nature and tradition.

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### 🗓️ Plan for the Day

Meetup Options:

• 9:00 AM at Yoyogi-Uehara Station (In front of Gold Gym)
• OR 11:00 AM at Daiyuzan Station (for those coming directly)

What we’ll do:
🥢 Lunch near the temple – We'll enjoy a simple, local soba lunch together. There are several great spots close to the temple.

🌿 Explore Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple –
This hidden gem features:

• Giant 500-year-old cedar trees 🌲
• Mysterious Tengu legends 🦶
• Over 30 temple buildings and long stone staircases
• Quiet forest trails and sacred spots that feel like a scene from a Ghibli movie
  It’s cool even in summer thanks to the shade of the towering trees — a natural escape from Tokyo's heat.

🏫 Optional side trip – If we have time, we’ll visit the charming Old Fukuzawa Elementary School (旧福澤小学校校舎), a nostalgic piece of Japan’s educational history.

🏯 Optional: Odawara Castle & Dinner –
Some of us may head to Odawara afterward for a short castle walk and dinner before heading back to Tokyo.

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### 💡 Who should join?

• Anyone looking for a relaxing day out of the city
• Nature and history lovers
• New friends, travelers, or locals wanting a peaceful summer escape

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### 🚉 Access

• From Shinjuku to Daiyuzan takes about 1 hour 45 minutes via Odakyu Line → Daiyuzan Line.
• Return trip options from Daiyuzan or Odawara.

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