Kaijyusenji is known for its pagoda, which is designated as a national treasure. And to see it, it is worth visiting this temple, or even going to Kizugawa city. The convenient way to get there is driving a car. Otherwise, you have to walk from JR Kamo station, and this is what I did. On a map, it doesn’t seem to be very far, but the temple is actually on a top of a mountain and it is very hard to climb a harsh slope. Anyway, the view from the temple is wonderful.

We got off the train at Kamo and hiked through the small town, then up through countryside, over a river, past farms and along a winding mountain road until we finally arrived about one and a half hours later. There are probably quicker ways like taxi or maybe bus, but the experience of rural Japan was well worth it. (Maybe next time we'll try hiking down though instead of up). We did the trip in Autumn and the leaves were spectacular. Anyway, beautiful old temple with an ancient pagoda. What set it apart were the treasures and statues on view, some over a thousand years old!. It must have been a kind of open day as access was granted to everywhere. Not sure if the temple itself is worth the visit but the experience of hiking through the countryside on a sunny day, past traditional homes and small farms was definitely one not to be missed.