Daisho-in is a historic Buddhist temple located on the sacred island of Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima. Founded in 806 by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), Daisho-in is deeply rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the island.
This main hall, Kannon-do, enshrines the temple’s principal deity, Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The hall is a quiet, serene place where worshipers offer prayers.
Aside from the main hall, there are also a number of unique buildings which make up the Daisho-in Temple Complex.
One of the temple complex’s unique features is the stairway lined with bronze prayer wheels. Visitors are encouraged to spin the wheels as they ascend toward the main hall. Each wheel is inscribed with a Buddhist mantra, and spinning them is believed to bring blessings and positive karma.
Nearby the temple, you can find the Henjokutsu Cave. This cave is a popular site within the temple complex. It contains 88 statues representing the 88 temples on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, one of Japan’s most famous religious pilgrimages. It is said that walking through the cave offers the same spiritual merit as visiting all 88 temples on the pilgrimage route. This cave is also a scenic site due to the hundreds of lanterns that line the cave’s roof, providing a calming atmosphere.
Hours and Admission
- Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm
- Free
- Average Time Spent: 15-30 minutes
- Official Website
Accessing Daisho-in
Daisho-in can be found on the Island of Miyajima, about 5 minutes past the famous Itsukushima Shrine and can easily be found by following the clearly marked signs once that indicate where Daisho-in Temple is.
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Where to Stay
Kinsuikan
Japanese Ryokan with a world class view of Miyajima and amazing local cuisine.
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Ryoso Kawaguchi
Popular Japanese style hotel with beautiful wooden interior, located near Itsukushima Shrine.
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Sakuraya
Ryokan located near the Miyajima ferry terminal, renowned for the remarkable sea views.
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