Daizenji Temple
temple
Daizenji Temple
大善寺
Overview
Daizenji is a Buddhist temple of the Soto Zen school, founded in 1645 as the memorial temple (bodaiji) of the Oyamada family, who were high-ranking Shinto priests at Usa Jingu Shrine.
Daizenji was founded in 1645 as the memorial temple of the Oyamada family, high-ranking priests at Usa Jingu. When the Meiji government demolished Mirokuji Temple in 1871 to enforce the separation of Buddhism and Shinto, five of its statues were eventually transferred here for preservation. The centerpiece is a 2.8-meter seated Yakushi Buddha from the Kamakura period, carved from hinoki cypress and finished with lacquered gold foil, now a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Four Muromachi-period statues flank it, including a pair of bodhisattvas and two protective Wisdom Kings. Visitors who want to enter the halls should contact the temple in advance, as inquiries are accepted only in Japanese.
Local tips
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 大善寺
- Nearest station
- Yufuin Station (40 min drive)
- Payment
- Cash only
- Reservations
- not required
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