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Daigo-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, spreads across Daigo-san Mountain
and is well-known as the "Temple of Flowers". This UNESCO World Heritage Site located in
southeastern Kyoto, Daigo-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple with over 1,100 years
of history. In 874, Godai Hall was built at the top of the mountain by Buddhist
monk Shobo. Later, the garan (main complex), small buildings, and five-story
pagoda was constructed at the foot of the mountain.
Multiple buildings and treasures of the temple are designated as National
Treasures and Cultural Assets, including the wooden statue of the temple’s main
object of worship, Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha). The path leading
from the entrance gate up through the temple’s two-storied Niōmon Gate is lined
with cherry blossoms and then maple trees, making the area famous in spring and
fall.
Once inside the Lower Daigo area, don’t miss the famous five-storied pagoda,
the oldest wooden structure that has written proof of age in Kyoto. A
combined ticket for the temple grants entry to three areas, including the main
precincts, the treasure hall, and the Sanbō-in sub-temple.
In the Shimo Daigo area stands a 38 meter tall, five-storied pagoda that is Kyoto's oldest verified building. Built-in
951, the pagoda is the only structure to survive the fires that have repeatedly
destroyed Daigoji over the centuries. And last but not least there is the
Bentendo Hall, probably Daigoji's most photographed building, next to a pond in
the very back of the Shimo Daigo area. The hall is especially beautiful around
late November when it is surrounded by autumn colors.
Five-Storied
Pagoda
The oldest wooden structure
remaining in Kyoto whose age can be verified in the documentation, Daigo-ji’s gojū
no tō (five-storied pagoda) is one of the few wooden constructions to
survive the devastating Ōnin War in the 15th century.
Benten-dō (Benten Hall)
One of the most photographed scenes of the Lower Daigo precincts is of the
Benten Hall, a small altar dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, one of the Seven
Lucky Gods (shichifukujin) associated with
creativity and music.
Situated on a small island surrounded by a picturesque lake and framed by
the mountain maple trees and ginkgo, it is particularly popular in the autumn
season.
Sanbō-in Sub-temple
Originally built in the 12th century by Daigo-ji’s 14th
head priest, the current sub-temple was constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in
1598 when he ordered extensive renewal of Daigo-ji in preparation for a grand
cherry blossom viewing party he planned to hold on the mountain. The
gorgeous strolling pond garden was designed by Japan's second Great Unifier
himself and features numerous small bridges connecting islands and shores with
carefully pruned pines and placed stones, making it a lovely place to take in
the view. The paintings on the walls of the inner rooms are also a
delight, featuring wild animals, seasonal plants, and scenes of famous
festivals, as well as more modern artwork towards the entrance.
Autumn colors in Daigoji
Besides cherry blossoms, Daigoji also has many deciduous trees, such as
maples, ginkgos, konaras (Quercus serrata), and clethras. At the end of October,
leaves of these trees change to brilliant red and yellow. The autumn leaves in
Sanboin is especially beautiful. Nevertheless, Daigoji offers more than just
autumn leaves. Purple Japanese clovers blooming in full glory near the Ascetic
Path and yellow Tsuwabuki (Farfugium japonicum) delicately peeping out between
the grass at Kenjinrinen also add to the colors of Daigoji.
There is also a Chrysanthemum Exhibition from October to November
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