Ryokan Taigu, also known as Ryokan Daigu, was a Japanese Zen poet and hermit who lived during the Edo period in Japan. He was born in the village of Izumozaki, in the Niigata Prefecture, in 1758. Located on the northwest coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan, Niigata Prefecture is known for its natural beauty and agricultural production.

Ryokan spent most of his life in the countryside, away from the bustling cities and urban areas. He lived in various mountain huts and hermitages, including the famous Kōshōji Temple in the Yamato Province. However, he is most closely associated with the small hermitage he built for himself in the mountains of the Shinano Province, in present-day Nagano Prefecture.

Ryokan's hermitage, called Gogo-an, was located near the village of Urami, in the mountains of the Zenkoji temple area. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills and dense forests. It is said that Ryokan chose this location for its peaceful and secluded surroundings, which allowed him to fully immerse himself in his Zen practice.

Despite living in isolation, Ryokan was known for his kindness and generosity towards others. He often welcomed visitors to his hermitage, offering them tea and conversation. He also frequently gave away his possessions and belongings to those in need, living a simple and humble life.

Ryokan's love for nature is reflected in his poetry, which often describes the beauty of the natural world and the simplicity of rural life. His hermitage was surrounded by cherry and plum trees, which he tended to with great care. He also had a deep appreciation for animals and often wrote about them in his poems.

In conclusion, Ryokan Taigu lived in various locations throughout his life, but he is most closely associated with his hermitage in the mountains of the Shinano Province. His love for nature and his simple way of life continue to inspire people around the world, making him a beloved figure in Japanese literature and Zen Buddhism.