Daisho-in Temple on Miyajima

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Facts & Figures

Daisho-in temple complex is located at the base of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. It is known as the most important temple of the Shingon Buddhist school of Omuro. It is also the oldest temple on the island near the world-famous Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Explore Ryokans in Miyajima >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions. The sacred temple ground consists of buildings like the Hakkaku Manpuku Hall, Kannon-do Hall, Maniden Hall, Nio-mon Gate, Kyakuden Hall, and many more. Daisho-in is the 14th temple along the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The location with the holy Mount Misen and its thick forest as a backdrop is simply amazing. From up there you can also enjoy the view over the Seto Inland Sea.

• Daisho-in temple complex:
• Opening Hours - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Closed - never, open the whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and other sightseeing spots in Hiroshima with an English-speaking tour guide? For more details check out this page >

History

Monk Kukai, also known as Kobo-Daishi (774 – 835) and founder of Shingon Buddhism, established Daisho-in in 806. Emporer Toba (1103 - 1156) gave the order to pray at this temple for the security and peace of Japan. Emperor Meiji honored Daisho-in by spending time there in 1885. Until the separation of Shinto from Buddhism during the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) Daisho-in had 12 affiliated temples. It was also common during that time that the head priest of Itsukushima Shrine was engaged in politics here. In 1991 a strong typhoon destroyed parts of the temple. In 2006 the 14th Dalai Lama visited Daisho-in to celebrate its 1200 years of history.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

Nio-mon Gate - The official and impressive main gateway to the temple grounds is protected by 2 fierce-looking guardian king statues. It is believed that these Nio kings ward off evil and therefore help to preserve Buddhist philosophy on earth.

Prayer Wheels (Mani Wheels) - Start spinning the metal wheels with inscribed sutras of the six hundred volumes of the Buddhist Dai-hannyakyo Scripture on your way up to the main hall.

Henjyokutsu Cave - The cave with 88 Buddhist icons is an impressive sight. They are related to the 88 temples of the over 1400km long Shikoku Pilgrimage. Instead of going on this journey for 2 months to visit every temple, you can get all the same blessings in one spot. Interesting fact under each Buddhist icon you will find sand from each of the 88 temple properties. The many lanterns on the ceiling give this cave a mystical atmosphere.

Kannon-do Hall - Inside the hall, you will find a Sand Mandala created by Buddhist priests from Tibet and the image of the Deity of Mercy (Kannon Bosatsu) with its eleven heads. Emperor Meiji (1852 - 1912) is also enshrined here.

500 Rakan Statues - These small Buddha disciples statues are located at the steps of the temple and every statue has a unique face with wooly hats. At the end of the stairs, you will find the over 500-year-old Daisho-in’s Bell.

Maniden Hall - It is the main prayer hall where the Three Awesome Deities (Sanki Daigongen) of Mount Misen are enshrined.

Maniden Bodaisho Room - Worshippers have donated 1000 images of the Buddha of Infinite Light (Amida Nyorai).

Daishi-do Hall - The founder of the temple, Kobe Daishi, is enshrined here.

Hakkaku Manpuku Hall - The Seven Deities of Good Fortune are enshrined in this octagonal hall.

Chokugan-do Hall - The main hall of the temple complex was built during the 12th century by Emperor Toba. Namikiri Fudo Myo-o (Immovable King) is enshrined here. The image shows a fierce face to show his determination to destroy evil. Do not miss the 1000 Fudo Images (donated by worshippers) and 33 Incarnated Kannon Images.

Mizukake Jizo - Seven Jizo Bosatsu statues are grouped together and worshippers pour water on them to console the souls of their loved ones.

Kyakuden Hall - Kyakuden can be translated with guest hall.

Rokkaku Sabo Tea Room - The tiny hexagonal tea house is the perfect place for a break and to eat some sweets.

Festival & Events on Miyajima and Daisho-in (dates can change without notice)

January

New Year Ritual at Daisho-in (1st - 3rd)
Rituals for happiness, health, and other wishes start at 12 am on New Year´s Day.

February

Miyajima Oysters Festival (9th - 10th)
Miyajima is famous for its oysters. This festival gives you the chance to enjoy this delicious food.

Setsubun Warding Off Evil Ritual at Daisho-in (3rd)
Once the Dai-hannya Sutra Chanting Ritual for warding off evil forces is over bean and mocha rice cakes are thrown to bring in good fortune.

March

Kitchen Knives Ceremony at Daisho-in (8th)
Old kitchen knives get honored, which are no longer usable. The ceremony is held in front of the Hochozuka Monument.

Kiyomori Festival (22nd)
The Itsukushima Shrine prayer parade is held from 1 to 3 pm.

April

Fire Walking Ritual (15th)
This ritual is held twice a year to honor the Three Awesome Forest Deities of Mount Misen. Worshippers have to walk over burning coals while praying for health during this so-called Goma Fire Ritual. The fire is lit by the Eternal Fire, which is dating back 1200 years.

August

Kangensai Festival (4th)
The largest annual festival at the Itsukushima Shrine dates back to the Heian period (794 - 1185).

Kannon Grand Ritual (11th)
The legend says if worshippers offer prayers to Kannon Bosatsu (Deity of Mercy) on the 11th of August they will receive the same blessings as if they offered prayers for 48000 days.

Miyajima Water Fireworks Display (11th)
Every year more than 300 000 visitors enjoy this spectacle. It is considered to be one of the most famous in Japan.

September

Lantern Ritual (9th - 11th)
A huge number of lanterns are offered by worshippers during this 3 days event. Their wishes and prayers are dedicated to a peaceful world.

November

Hiwatarishiki in Daiganji (3rd)
Monks from Miyajima island walk over the fire during the ceremony. If you are brave enough you can join them:)

Fire Walking Ritual (15th)
This ritual is held twice a year (April and November) to honor the Three Awesome Forest Deities of Mount Misen. Worshippers have to walk over burning coals while praying for health during this so-called Goma Fire Ritual. The fire is lit by the Eternal Fire, which is dating back 1200 years.