A bottle of wine sits as an offering. We stand before Daizenji. Officially Daizenji, it’s nicknamed the grape temple. This name comes from its deep roots in Japanese grape production.
Daizenji Temple has a unique history. In 718 AD a monk named Gyoki had a dream. In it, Yakushi Nyorai the Buddha of Medicine appeared. He held grapes. Inspired, Gyoki founded Daizenji. He taught locals to make wine for medicine.
Another legend says farmer Kageyu Amemiya first grew grapes in Japan. This was in the same area but much later in 1186.
DNA analysis reveals Koshu grapes are a hybrid. This oldest variety is from Yamanashi. It’s a mix of European and wild Chinese vines. The grape may have traveled the Silk Road to Japan like Buddhism.
The temple’s main hall dates to the 12th century. It’s a designated national treasure. The original carved Yakushi Buddha appears every five years.
The main building is the oldest in Yamanashi Prefecture. It represents esoteric Buddhist temple design from the Kamakura period. Notice the cypress bark hip roof. It is made of overlapping cypress bark.
Daizenji belongs to the Shingon sect Chisan-ha. It was once called Joshoji and Kashioyamadera. Sadatoki Hojo funded its rebuild after a fire in 1270. Construction finished in 1290. The main hall is also called the Doctor’s Hall. It houses wooden Yakushi Nyorai statues.
Inside Daizenji, a small shrine holds an antique cherry-wood statue. It shows Yakushi Nyorai with grapes and is only shown every five years. The lacquered sculpture is decorated with gold leaf.
The temple also holds the Wisteria Cutting Festival every May 8. It honors an event 1300 years ago. En-no-Gyoja killed a large snake to protect villagers.
Today Daizenji’s head monk is also a vintner. He makes koshu wine. Koshu is gaining international fame. He offers tastings to visitors. They can enjoy the garden and Sanmon Gate overlooking Koshu Valley.
Daizenji sells its own grapes and wine. Growing grapes and making wine is considered good karma here. Next time you savor Japanese wine remember its spiritual origins at Daizenji.