Complete Guide to Daisenji Temples | History, Grounds, Cultural Properties, and Access Information for Temples with the Same Name Nationwide
There are several temples named “Daisenji” throughout Japan, each with its own unique history and culture. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the major Daisenji temples, including their historical background, the characteristics of their grounds, the cultural properties they possess, and useful access information for visitors.
Table of Contents
- What is Daisenji Temple? – Temples with the same name scattered throughout Japan
- Daisenji Temple in Yaotsu Town, Gifu Prefecture (Rinzai Zen Myoshinji School)
- Daisenji Temple in Kodaira City, Tokyo (Nichiren Buddhism)
- Daisenji Temple in Chuo Ward, Niigata City (Soto Zen Buddhism)
- Daisenji Temple in Yokohama City
- Other Daisenji Temples (Kyoto, Osaka, Niigata Joetsu)
- About Buddhist Services and Memorials at Daisenji Temples
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daisenji Temple? – Temples with the same name scattered throughout Japan
The temple name “Daisenji” is a temple name found throughout Japan. In Buddhism, “Daisen” is an honorific title referring to Buddha or high-ranking monks, and temples bearing this name have played an important religious role in their respective regions. The main Daisenji temples are located in the following regions:
- Yaotsu-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture: A special temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism
- Kodaira City, Tokyo: A Nichiren Buddhist temple known as a “temple of success”
- Chuo-ku, Niigata City: A Soto Zen temple
- Yokohama City: A temple rooted in the local community
- Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City: A Shinshu Takada-ha temple
- Fukushima-ku, Osaka City: A Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha temple
- Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture: A Jodo-shu temple
Each Daisenji temple belongs to a different sect and has its own unique history and characteristics.
Daisenji Temple in Yaotsu-cho, Gifu Prefecture (Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school)
History
Daisenji Temple, located in Yaotsu, Yaotsu-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture, is a special temple of the Myoshinji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Its mountain name is Rinkozan. History of Founding
In 1460 (Kansho 1), the daughter of Furuta Hikoemon Nobumasa, a powerful local lord of Kurose Port on the Kiso River, entered the Buddhist priesthood and took the name Nyogenni. It is said that the beginning of Daisenji Temple was when she built a small hermitage called Fujian to pray for her father’s soul.
Later, Nyogenni became a follower of Saito Myochin, the deputy governor of Mino Province. With Myochin’s support, in 1470 (Bunmei 2), Gokei Soton, a Dharma successor of Nichiho Soshun, the fourth abbot of Myoshinji Temple in Tsumaki, Toki District, Mino Province (present-day Tsumaki-cho, Toki City), was invited to be the founding abbot, and the temple was officially established as a Zen temple.
Development and Transformation
- Sengoku Period: Temporarily declined due to Oda Nobunaga’s invasion of Mino Province.
- Edo Period: Under the patronage of Tokugawa Ieyasu, relocated to its current location in Yaotsu during the Keicho era.
- Modern Era and Beyond: Continues to this day as a center of local faith.
Temple Grounds
The grounds of Daisenji Temple are situated on a hill overlooking the Kiso River, enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere. The main buildings and facilities are as follows:
Main Hall
The main hall was newly constructed in the mid-Edo period and features Zen Buddhist architecture. Inside, the principal image, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, is enshrined. The hall is used for Zen meditation and religious ceremonies by monks, and general visitors can participate on certain days.
Temple Gate
The magnificent temple gate was built in the Edo period to signify the temple’s status. Nio statues are positioned on both sides of the gate to welcome visitors.
Garden
The temple grounds feature a dry landscape garden, with stone arrangements and white sand reflecting the spirit of Zen. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery in harmony with the changing seasons.
Cemetery
A cemetery for parishioners is also available, including a permanent memorial grave.
Kannon Statue Moved from Shōhōji Temple
Daisenji Temple houses a Kannon statue that was formerly enshrined at the nearby Shōhōji Temple. This statue is believed to be from the Muromachi period and has long been a center of local devotion. When Shōhōji Temple was abandoned, Daisenji Temple inherited the statue, and it is still carefully preserved today.
Cultural Properties
Gifu Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property
- Wooden Standing Statue of Kannon Bodhisattva: An outstanding Buddhist sculpture from the Muromachi period
- Painted Silk Scroll of Nirvana: A valuable Buddhist painting from the early Edo period
Yaotsu Town Designated Tangible Cultural Property
- Temple Bell: A bell cast in the mid-Edo period, known for its beautiful tone
- Collection of Ancient Documents: Valuable historical materials that tell the history of the temple
These cultural properties are not usually open to the public, but special viewing opportunities may be provided.
Location and Access
Location: Yaotsu, Yaotsu-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture
Access
- By Car: Approximately 30 minutes from the Tajimi Interchange on the Chuo Expressway
- By Public Transportation: Approximately 40 minutes by Totetsu Bus bound for Yaotsu from Tajimi Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, then a 10-minute walk from the Yaotsu bus stop.
Daisenji Temple (Nichiren Sect), Kodaira City, Tokyo
History
Daisenji Temple, located in Kodaira City, Tokyo, is a Nichiren sect temple with the mountain name Chujozan. Known as a “temple of success,” it is a renowned temple with a history of over 400 years.
Founding
It began in 1595 (Bunroku 4), when Shozen-in Nichido Shonin established a temple in Hatchobori, Edo (present-day Chuo Ward), and began missionary work. Initially, it attracted widespread devotion from the townspeople and samurai class of Edo.
History of Relocation
- Around 1645: Relocated to Asakusa and further expanded.
- 1945: The main hall and other buildings were destroyed in the Tokyo air raids.
- 1948: Relocated to the current location in Kodaira City and rebuilt.
During the post-war reconstruction, with the cooperation of parishioners, the temple was reborn as a modern temple equipped with contemporary facilities.
Temple Grounds and Facilities
Main Hall
The main hall, newly built after the war, is made of reinforced concrete and incorporates traditional temple architecture while also possessing modern functionality. It houses the principal image, a statue of Nichiren Shonin, and is where daily services and memorial services are held.
Guest Hall
The guest hall, used for memorial services and other religious ceremonies, is equipped with air conditioning and heating, ensuring the comfort of visitors.
Cemetery and Perpetual Memorial Graves
The vast cemetery includes not only general burial plots but also perpetual memorial graves, providing a system where you can confidently request memorial services even if you have no successors.
Annual Events
Daisenji Temple holds various memorial services and events throughout the year.
- January: First Shrine Visit of the Year, New Year’s Prayer Service
- February: Setsubun Festival
- Spring and Autumn Equinox Festivals: Ancestor Memorial Service
- August: Obon Festival, Segaki Memorial Service
- November: Oeshiki (Memorial Service for the Anniversary of Nichiren Shonin’s Death)
- December: New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing
Memorial Services and Buddhist Rites
Daisenji Temple accepts the following memorial services:
- Ancestral Memorial Service: Annual memorial services, monthly memorial services
- Memorial Service for Stillborn Children: Respectful memorial service and emotional support
- Perpetual Memorial Service: Memorial service in cases where there are no successors
- Pet Memorial Service: Memorial service for pets considered members of the family
For memorial services, it is recommended to contact the temple in advance to discuss the date and content.
Location and Access
Location: Kodaira City, Tokyo
Access
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kodaira Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
- Parking available (for memorial service attendees)
Daisenji Temple (Soto Zen sect), Chuo Ward, Niigata City
History
Daisenji Temple, located in Chuo Ward, Niigata City, is a Soto Zen temple with the mountain name Yoshizuka-yama. It has been a center of local faith and has been cherished by parishioners for many years.
Temple Grounds
New Main Hall
The main hall was newly constructed in 2014 (Heisei 26), and the latest facilities have been installed.
- Air-conditioned and heated: A comfortable environment for worship throughout the year
- Barrier-free design: Consideration for the elderly and wheelchair users
- Washrooms: Two separate restrooms for men and women
The new main hall incorporates various considerations to ensure that parishioners can worship with peace of mind.
Memorial Services and Worship
Respectful memorial services are conducted according to the customs of the Soto Zen sect, and all Buddhist services, including funerals, memorial services, and ancestral worship, are handled.
Location and Access
Location: Chuo-ku, Niigata City
Access
- Approximately 15 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Niigata Station
- Parking available
Daisenji Temple in Yokohama City
Overview
Daisenji Temple in Yokohama City operates as a temple deeply rooted in the local community. The temple is a central location for local annual events, attracting many worshippers during the New Year’s Eve bell ringing ceremony.
Annual Events
New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing
Every year on New Year’s Eve, the temple bell is rung, drawing large crowds of worshippers. In recent years, measures have been taken to accommodate worshippers, such as providing jet stoves for heating.
While the burning of old talismans has been discontinued due to environmental concerns, the temple continues to accept old amulets and talismans.
Location and Access
Location: Yokohama City (See official website for details)
Access: Within walking distance from the nearest station
Other Daisenji Temples (Kyoto, Osaka, Niigata Joetsu)
Daisenji Temple in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (Shinshu Takada School)
Daisenji Temple, located in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, is a temple of the Shinshu Takada School. It is a 6-minute drive from JR Hanazono Station and is located north of Utano Youth Hostel. Nearby are famous temples such as Ninna-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji, which can be visited during Kyoto sightseeing.
Daisen-ji Temple (Jodo Shinshu Honganji School) in Fukushima Ward, Osaka City
Located in Yoshino, Fukushima Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Daisen-ji Temple is a temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji School. Its mountain name is Buryozan, and its principal image is Amida Buddha. It functions as a center of Jodo Shinshu faith in the region.
Daisen-ji Temple (Jodo Sect) in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
Located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, Daisen-ji Temple is a Jodo Sect temple and a branch temple of the head temple, Chion-in. Its mountain name is Kaneyama, and its temple name is Hōchi-in. It is one of the important Jodo Sect temples in the Joetsu region.
About Memorial Services and Ceremonies at Daisen-ji Temple
Types of Memorial Services and Preparations
The main memorial services held at Daisen-ji Temple include the following:
Annual Memorial Services
- 1st, 3rd, 7th, 13th, 17th, 23rd, 27th, 33rd, 50th Anniversary
Other Memorial Services
- 7th Day, 49th Day, 100th Day
- Monthly Memorial Service
- Obon Memorial Service
- Higan Memorial Service
How to Apply for a Memorial Service
If you wish to hold a memorial service, please follow these steps:
- Advance Contact: Contact the temple 1-2 months before your desired date.
- Schedule Adjustment: Adjust the schedule with the head priest.
- Discussion of Contents: Scale of the service, number of attendees, whether or not a meal will be provided, etc.
- Confirmation of Offering: This varies depending on the region and sect, so please confirm in advance.
About Perpetual Memorial Services
If you have no successor or if future grave management will be difficult, you can use a perpetual memorial grave. Many Daisenji temples offer perpetual memorial graves, with the temple taking responsibility for continuing memorial services.
Benefits of Perpetual Memorial Services
- No successor required
- No (or low) management fees
- Regular memorial services by the temple
- Often open to all denominations
Points to Note When Visiting Daisenji Temples
Attire and Manners
- Attire: For memorial services, wear mourning attire or semi-formal attire; for regular visits, wear clean clothing.
- Worship Etiquette: Follow the customs of your denomination (if unsure, check with temple staff).
- Photography: Photography on the temple grounds may require permission; prior confirmation is recommended.
Visiting Hours and Contact Information
Visiting hours and service times vary by temple. It is recommended to check the official website or inquire by phone before visiting.
Summary
Daisenji temples, located throughout Japan, each possess their own unique history and culture, playing an important role as centers of local faith. Daisenji Temple, a Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji school in Yaotsu Town, Gifu Prefecture, bears the mountain name Rinkōzan and boasts a long history and valuable cultural assets, beginning with Fujian. Daisenji Temple of the Nichiren sect in Kodaira City, Tokyo, is known as a “temple of success” and offers perpetual memorial services and various other memorial services. Daisenji Temple of the Soto Zen sect in Niigata City built a new main hall in 2014 and features modern facilities.
Each Daisenji temple offers a variety of services to meet the needs of its parishioners and local residents, including cemetery plots, perpetual memorial services, annual events, and Buddhist services. If you wish to visit or attend a memorial service, it is important to check the location and access information of each temple and contact them in advance.
Even today, Daisenji temples continue to function as community-based temples, preserving tradition while responding to the needs of modern society.
