Daigo, literally “ghee”, means crème de la crème. Today we explore the historic Daigo-ji Temple. It is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku Kyoto. Its main devotion is Yakushi Nyorai.
Daigo-ji Temple was founded in the early Heian period. Rigen-daishi founded the temple in 874. After abdicating in 930 Emperor Daigo became a monk at this temple. He was then buried there. His posthumous name was therefore Daigo.
During the Muromachi period the Ōnin War devastated the temple. Only the five-storied pagoda survived. Hideyoshi Toyotomi initiated reconstruction efforts. The last reconstruction was in 1606.
Several structures are National Treasures of Japan. These include the kondō and the five-story pagoda. The temple possesses 18 specifically designated national treasures. The temple holds several dozen important cultural assets. Wall paintings at the temple were subject of academic research. This earned the Imperial Prize of the Japan Academy in 1960. As part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, it is a World Heritage Site.
The five-story pagoda at Daigo-ji Temple was built in 951. It is the oldest building in Kyoto. It survived the Onin War in the 15th century. More than seven centuries after its founding Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a cherry blossom viewing party in 1598. It was called Daigo no hanami at the Sambō-in sub-temple. The bright colors of maple leaves attract tourists in the autumn season.
Daigo-ji is laid out in three parts. These are Sambō-in, Shimo-Daigo and Kami-Daigo. These are progressively older and further up the mountain. Sambō-in and Shimo-Daigo are easily accessible. They attract the most tourism. Kami-Daigo is on top of the mountain. It requires a strenuous hike.
Sambō-in contains the temple proper. It also has a museum. Shimo-Daigo contains detached halls. It includes the oldest surviving building in Kyoto. Kami-Daigo is located on top of the mountain. Daigo-Sui is a spring of holy water. It was the origin of Daigo-ji. The Kaisan-dō is the Founder’s hall. The Higashi-no-nozoki offers another great view.
In 874 a Buddhist monk built a hermitage. It was dedicated to Kannon statues. He discovered a well of spiritual water. It was named Daigo. Emperor Daigo, Suzaku and Murakami contributed to the temple’s development. In 907 the Yakushi hall was constructed. The Sakyamuni hall and the five-storied pagoda consisted of the prototype of the Shimodaigo temple complex.
Daigo-ji has played an important role as a main temple of Shingon school. Many politicians in power have had a close family relationship with this temple. The fire caused by Ōnin wars destroyed the Shimodaigo complex. We are fortunate that we can still see the pagoda built in 951. The Juntei hall is the eleventh place of pilgrimage in the Western part of Japan.
Daigo-ji Temple holds prayers that have been handed down for over 1000 years. The temple sends out prayers across generations. It is sustainable for the next generation. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994. It reflects the will to open its doors to a broader public. You can explore the rich history of the Daigo-ji temple through its architecture. You can experience spiritual practices and learn more about Japanese traditional arts. Discover the beauty of the Japanese four seasons. You can also savor unique cuisine.