Daishoin -Temple

Daishoin is one of the most important Shingon Buddhist temples in western Japan. The temple’s origins date to 806 AD when Kobo Daishi, Shingon’s legendary founder, undertook ascetic practices on Mt. Misen. In 2006, the temple played host to the Dalai Lama, whose teachings and rituals drew Buddhists and scholars from around the world.

For visitors, Daishoin is a treasure trove. With its statues, halls and gardens, many find the temple more interesting and accessible than Miyajima's more famous Itsukushima Shrine. Highlights include the eleven-headed of Kannon Bosatsu in the Kannon-do Hall, once kept at Itsukushima Shrine. In the Henjyokutsu Cave, Buddhist icons representing the eighty-eight temples of the famous Shikoku pilgrimage route bestow on visitors the same blessings received by pilgrims. And it's said that a single wish made before the Ichigan Daishi statue will be granted. Choose wisely!

Matt Mangham

210 Miyajima Hatsukaichi city

30 minutes walk from Miyajima pier (5 minutes by car)
5 minutes walk from Itsukushima Shrine

No admission fee
charms: from 500 yen