Saidaiji Temple

Map

History & Origins

Founded in the Nara period by Empress Shotoku as a great temple on a par with Todaiji, it declined in the Heian period. In the Kamakura period Eison (Kosho Bosatsu) revived it, and it was reborn as the head temple of the Shingon Risshu sect, which values the precepts. The Ochamori Shiki is said to have begun in 1239 (the 1st year of Enno), when Eison offered tea at Hachiman Shrine and then served the remaining tea to the people.

Highlights

Enshrined here are outstanding Kamakura-period Buddhist statues, including the Important Cultural Property main image Shaka Nyorai and the seated Aizen Myoo. The grounds, centered on the Shio-do, Hondo, and Aizen-do halls, have a calm atmosphere wrapped in stillness. At the Ochamori Shiki, held three times a year, you can experience the unique custom of several people sharing a large tea bowl, and feel the spirit of Eison's compassion for the common people.

Visitor Guide

It is about a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Yamato-Saidaiji Station on the Kintetsu line. Hours for viewing the interiors are 9:00 to 16:00. A shared admission ticket (covering Shio-do, Hondo, and Aizen-do) is required; please check the official website for details. Allow about 30 to 60 minutes.

Best Season

The days when the Ochamori Shiki is held, January 15 (New Year), around the second Sunday of April (spring), and around the second Sunday of October (autumn), are especially lively. March to April, when the cherry trees in the grounds bloom, is also a recommended time to visit.

Blessings

Annual Events

• January

  Shinshun Oochamori Shiki (New Year Giant Tea Bowl Ceremony)

  An Oochamori ceremony held on January 15. It is a traditional event associated with Eison Shonin, in which matcha is shared from a giant tea bowl over 30 cm in diameter.

• April

  Haru no Oochamori Shiki (Spring Giant Tea Bowl Ceremony)

  An Oochamori ceremony held on the second Sunday of April and the Saturday before it. Many worshippers experience the tea ceremony with the giant tea bowl.

• October

  Aki no Oochamori Shiki (Autumn Giant Tea Bowl Ceremony)

  An Oochamori ceremony held on the second Sunday of October. A tea ceremony conveying the spirit of Eison Shonin is held on the autumn grounds.

Travel Plan

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