Uonuma, Niigata / 西福寺（開山堂）
Saifukuji Temple (Kaisando Hall)
An old Soto Zen temple in Uonuma founded in 1534, where you can see many works by the master craftsman Ishikawa Uncho, called "Japan's Michelangelo". The Kaisando hall, built by the 23rd head priest Bankoku Dairyu, enshrines Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen, and the temple's founder; its carvings, paintings and plasterwork are said to be the culmination of Uncho's art, and the great ceiling carving "Dogen Zenji Subduing a Fierce Tiger" is overwhelming. Transom carvings, sliding-door paintings and inlaid wood by Uncho also remain in the grounds and main hall and are Niigata Prefecture cultural properties. Guides are available through the Uonuma Tourism Association.
Last official check
28 Sept 2026
Traveler reports
0
Reports open in Phase 2
Next scheduled check
27 Dec 2026
Decide before you go
A short summary made from the official facts below. Check the rows for details.
- Getting there
- Train / Bus / Car
- Admission
- Paid (see the price below)
- Booking
- Some things need booking (see the rows below)
Before you go
Only facts we confirmed on official sources are shown. Anything else is marked “Not checked yet”.
- Opening hours
April-November 9:00-15:30 (viewing ends 16:00); winter December-March 10:00-15:00 (viewing ends 15:30); hours may change for events (check the temple website).
Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site- Closed
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Admission
Admission: adults 500 yen, junior high and people with disabilities (with certificate) 300 yen, elementary and under free; Uncho guide 3,000 yen per guide (up to 10 people per guide, about 1 hour).
Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site- Getting there
About 15 minutes by taxi, or about 15 minutes by bus plus about 10 minutes on foot, from Koide Station (JR Joetsu Line); about 10 minutes by taxi, or about 10 minutes by bus plus about 10 minutes on foot, from Urasa Station (Joetsu Shinkansen); 7 minutes by car from Uonuma IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway).
Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site- Parking
Parking for cars available.
Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site- Payment
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
- Accessibility
Not checked yet — we have not confirmed this on an official source yet. Check with the spot before you go.
Found wrong or outdated information? Let us know
Address: Uonuma, Niigata (Japanese address: 新潟県魚沼市大浦174／西福寺)
Official site: https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/8332
Location
Smaller pins are other spots nearby.
Nearby spots
- No photo yetMt. Hakkai Ropeway and ObservatoryNiigata8 km away (straight line)
- No photo yetEchigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art MonETNiigata18 km away (straight line)
Distances are straight-line distances, not travel distances.
Crowds
- Crowd level
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Best time to visit
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Peak time
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest days
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Busiest season
Not checked yet — no official source yet, and not enough traveler reports.
- Latest traveler report
- None yet
Traveler crowd data by time of day appears after 5 traveler reports (0 so far).
You can check typical busy hours in Google Maps ("Popular times" on the place's page). Open this spot in Google Maps
Visiting respectfully
- PhotographyPhotography inside the temple is normally prohibited (it may be allowed for limited periods; check the temple website); when allowed, mind your manners and do not disturb worshippers.Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site
- Local etiquetteThe halls are unheated in winter; wear warm clothing (socks, hats and gloves are also recommended).Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site
- RulesOn winter weekdays a booking is required (without one the temple may be closed).Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site
- RulesApply for the Uncho guide by fax or email at least 1 week ahead (2 weeks for groups) to the Uonuma Tourism Association.Checked 28 Sept 2026 on the official site
Verification log
- 28 Sept 2026First check · Tourism board · https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/spot/8332Hours, fees, access, parking, description, address and coordinates read from a tourism organization's site.