Daishoin Temple - In the Footsteps of Kūkai

Nestled at the base of the sacred Mount Misen on Miyajima Island, Daishoin Temple is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil yet spiritually profound experience for visitors exploring Japan’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. Founded in 806 AD by the revered Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi, Daishoin is one of the oldest and most prestigious temples of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. It was established after Kōbō returned from studying esoteric teachings in China and is said to be the very site where he began his practice on Miyajima, which later became known as a sacred island in both Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

Daishoin served for centuries as the head temple for the Omuro school of the Shingon sect and was historically the site where members of the Imperial Family would worship when visiting the island. The temple complex is a spiritual sanctuary filled with a variety of halls, statues, and sacred relics, including the Kannon-do Hall, dedicated to the Bodhisattva of compassion, and the Henjokutsu Cave, which houses 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, allowing visitors to experience the spiritual journey in miniature.

One of Daishoin’s most unique features is its whimsical blend of solemn spirituality and approachable charm. As you walk through the temple grounds, you’ll encounter hundreds of small, smiling Jizo statues, often donning colourful knitted caps. These statues represent the guardian of children and travellers and are adorned by locals in acts of devotion and remembrance. A curious and mystical touch lies in the spinning metal wheels inscribed with Buddhist sutras, which are said to confer the same merit as reading the scriptures when turned. Visitors often spin these wheels as a form of active meditation and prayer.

Daishoin Temple is also steeped in folklore, much of which is intertwined with Mount Misen’s legendary status. The mountain is believed to have been sanctified by Kōbō Daishi himself through a ritual fire ceremony, and it has never been extinguished since, burning continuously for over 1,200 years. Known as the Eternal Flame, this sacred fire is preserved at Reikado Hall atop Mount Misen and is said to have been used to light the Flame of Peace at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Mount Misen and its temple are also rumoured to be inhabited by tengu, mystical creatures from Japanese folklore who are known to both protect and test the faith of pilgrims with their supernatural powers.

Despite its deep historical roots, Daishoin remains an active and evolving place of worship. Monks still reside and perform rituals within the temple grounds, and seasonal ceremonies draw both devout practitioners and curious travelers. Visiting Daishoin offers more than just scenic beauty, t’s a journey through layers of spiritual history, traditions and sacred myth that embodies the very essence of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Whether you climb to its gates after wandering through the forests of Mount Misen or seek it out for its meditative peace, Daishoin Temple remains a powerful testament to the enduring soul of Miyajima.

Location : Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

How to get there : To reach the ferry port from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, 410 yen one way, covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Alternatively, you can take tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima bound for Miyajimaguchi. The tram is slower, but costs only 260 yen one way (not covered by the JR Pass). From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is a short walk to the ferry pier, from where ferries depart frequently for Miyajima. There are two competing ferry companies operating from this port: JR and Matsudai. Both companies' ferry rides take 10 minutes and both cost 180 yen one way. The JR Pass is valid on JR ferries. Daisho-in Temple is a five minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine or a 15 minute walk from the ferry pier.

Attraction Info : The temple is open between 8am - 5pm daily and entry is free. The island is certainly worthy of a full day’s tour, an overnight stay would allow more time to explore.

Official Tourist Website : www.miyajima-japan.com

大聖院

Explore Japan

Thanks for reading about Daishoin Temple - In the Footsteps of Kūkai. Check out more destinations here!