Name: Daishoin
Address: Takimachi-210 Miyajimachō, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0592, Japan
Telephone: 0829-44-0111
Rating: 4.5

Venerable Buddhist temple complex, founded in 806 CE, with many halls & carved stone images.

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shihhsun Chien

引地信郎

はっちゃんねる

Michael Blaster Jones

大熊猫比呂志

Daishoin Temple is nestled at the foot of Mount Misen, the sacred mountain of Miyajima Island, offering stunning natural surroundings.

Location

The temple features Henjokutsu Cave, where you can see images of the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Pilgrims can experience the essence of the Shikoku pilgrimage in a condensed form.

Cave of Pilgrimage

Daishoin is known for its intricate sand mandala, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist art form created with colored sand. These mandalas are often temporary, symbolizing impermanence.

Tibetan Buddhist Art

The temple grounds feature a path lined with over 500 Rakan statues, each with a unique expression. It's said that you can find one that resembles someone you know.

500 Rakan Statues

Daishoin is believed to have been founded by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, during his travels in the early 9th century.

Founded By

The 'Eternal Flame' at Daishoin has been burning continuously since it was lit by Kobo Daishi over 1200 years ago. This flame was used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Eternal Flame

Daishoin

Daishoin, nestled on Mount Misen in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, is more than just another temple; it's a living tapestry of Buddhist traditions. Its unique claim to fame lies in being the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism in the Chugoku region. Unlike many temples, Daishoin boasts a collection of 88 miniature temples representing the 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, allowing visitors to experience the essence of the pilgrimage in a condensed form. A fascinating, often overlooked aspect is the Henjokutsu Cave, a dimly lit cavern filled with Buddhist images and sand from each of the 88 Shikoku temples, believed to bestow blessings upon those who walk through it. The temple also houses a flame that has been burning continuously since its founding by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, over 1200 years ago, a symbol of enduring spiritual practice. The Reihokan Museum within the temple grounds showcases a remarkable collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, providing deeper insight into the temple's rich history and cultural significance.

Introduction

Daishoin temple in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, is notable for its Henjokutsu Cave, a unique sanctuary that replicates the Shikoku Pilgrimage. This cave houses 88 Buddhist images, each representing a temple along the traditional pilgrimage route. Pilgrims unable to physically undertake the Shikoku circuit can experience a symbolic journey within the cave, receiving the same spiritual benefits. The statues are not mere replicas; they are imbued with sand from each of the corresponding temples in Shikoku, further enhancing the connection.

The Henjokutsu Cave at Daishoin offers a condensed, accessible version of the arduous Shikoku Pilgrimage. The cave's design encourages visitors to walk the entire length, effectively "completing" the pilgrimage. Each statue is clearly labeled with the name of its corresponding Shikoku temple, facilitating a deeper understanding of the pilgrimage's scope. The cave's atmosphere, dimly lit and filled with the scent of incense, enhances the meditative experience. This distinctive feature makes Daishoin a significant site for those interested in Buddhist pilgrimage practices and their symbolic representations. The presence of the Henjokutsu Cave underscores Daishoin's role as a center for spiritual solace and abbreviated pilgrimage, drawing visitors seeking connection to the larger Buddhist world.

Henjokutsu Cave Sanctuaries

Daishoin Temple in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, uniquely features a miniature version of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, allowing visitors to experience the essence of the 88-temple journey in a condensed format. This miniature pilgrimage offers a tangible connection to the original Shikoku Pilgrimage for those unable to undertake the full route. The path winds through a carefully arranged landscape dotted with small statues representing each of the 88 temples. Each statue is inscribed with the name of its corresponding temple on Shikoku, fostering a spiritual link to the actual pilgrimage sites.

Pilgrims and visitors can walk this scaled-down version, reciting the same mantras and experiencing a symbolic journey. This provides a condensed yet authentic experience, resonating with the spiritual intentions of the full Shikoku Pilgrimage. The presence of these miniature temples within Daishoin provides a unique opportunity to "complete" the Shikoku Pilgrimage in a shorter time frame. This appeals particularly to elderly visitors or those with limited mobility.

Daishoin's miniature Shikoku Pilgrimage serves as a reminder of the larger pilgrimage's significance, promoting its traditions and spiritual values. The temple provides pamphlets and guidance to enhance the experience, explaining the significance of each statue and the corresponding temple on Shikoku. This miniature version embodies the spirit of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, making it accessible to a wider audience and reinforcing Daishoin's role as a center for Buddhist practice and pilgrimage.

Daishoin

Did You Know?

Location

Cave of Pilgrimage

Tibetan Buddhist Art

500 Rakan Statues

Highlights from Reviews

Location