Map
Daigoji is the head temple of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism, founded in 874 (the 16th year of Jogan) by Shobo (Rigen Daishi) on Mt. Daigo. Its vast grounds of over two million tsubo hold many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, and it was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto' in 1994. It is also known as the setting of the 'Daigo Flower Viewing' held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Shingon, Daigo school
- Principal Image
- Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
- Founded
- 874
History & Origins
It began in 874 when Shobo built the Juntei-do and Nyoirin-do on the mountain (Kami-Daigo). Receiving the deep reverence of Emperor Daigo, it became an imperial prayer temple, and in the mid-Heian period it prospered under the patronage of three emperors: Daigo, Suzaku and Murakami. In 1598 Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a grand cherry-blossom viewing banquet, which is still reenacted today as the 'Toyotomi Taiko Flower Viewing Procession.'
Highlights
The five-storied pagoda in Shimo-Daigo (National Treasure), built in 951, is the oldest wooden building in Kyoto Prefecture. The garden of Sanboin (Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Historic Site) is a Momoyama-period masterpiece that Hideyoshi himself is said to have helped design, and its National Treasure Kara-mon gate is also a highlight. The Reihokan museum houses many National Treasures, including Buddhist statues, paintings and calligraphy.
Visitor Guide
About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Daigo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line. Hours are 9:00-17:00 in summer (March to the first Sunday of December) and 9:00-16:30 in winter (the day after the first Sunday of December to the end of February). The combined ticket for three areas (Sanboin, the Garan and the Reihokan) is 1,500 yen for adults. Allow about 90-120 minutes.
Best Season
The period of the 'Toyotomi Taiko Flower Viewing Procession,' held on the second Sunday of April, is the busiest, with cherry blossoms filling the grounds. November, when the trail up to Kami-Daigo is lined with autumn foliage, is also recommended.
Annual Events
- February
Godairikison Niowae (Godairiki Deity Nio Ceremony)
The largest service at Daigoji, held on February 23. It is known for the Mochiage Chikara Hono (rice cake lifting offering), in which a kagami mochi weighing about 150 kg is lifted.
- April
Hotaiko Hanami Gyoretsu (Taiko Hideyoshi Cherry Blossom Viewing Procession)
On the second Sunday of April, a splendid procession recreating the Daigo cherry blossom viewing held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598 parades through the grounds.
- August
Mando-e (Lantern Service)
A dreamlike summer service in which candles are lit in the grounds. A Segaki memorial service is also held at the same time.
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