Daiganji Temple

Daiganji Temple sits directly beside the exit of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, wisdom, and wealth. For centuries the two sites operated together, with Daiganji serving as the administrative center for the shrine and even soliciting donations to rebuild the famous torii gate. The relationship ended during the Meiji period when the government ordered a complete separation of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Many Buddhist sculptures from across Miyajima were moved to Daiganji at that time. In the courtyard stands a large pine tree with nine branching trunks, planted by Ito Hirobumi, Japan's first prime minister. The temple's annual festival falls on June 17.