Daigoji Temple, home to Kyoto’s Oldest Pagoda and Gardens
Daigoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. In a city overflowing with such spots, it might be a thought to skip Daigoji, as it is a bit distant from the more central tourist areas. Daigoji is truly worth the trip. It boasts one of the most beautiful gardens in all of Kyoto, making it the perfect place to contemplate the colours of fall and the blooms of spring.
Founded in 874, the Daigoji temple complex holds a rich history. It was the place where Emperor Daigo, after abdicating in 930, took on the role of a Buddhist priest and eventually passed away. His burial on the temple grounds led to its current name, a testament to its deep-rooted history.
The Daigoji complex is home to eighteen national treasures. It is divided into three main areas: Sambō-in, Shimo-Daigo (Lower Daigo) at the base of the mountain, and Kami-Daigo (Upper Daigo). Key national treasures housed within the temple complex include:
Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Buddha) statue – Enshrined in the Kondō (Main Hall), this is a significant Heian-period artefact. Mandala paintings – Several esoteric Shingon Buddhist mandalas, including the Diamond World and Womb World mandalas, are preserved in the temple's collection. Documents and scrolls – Daigoji houses over 100,000 cultural assets, including sutras, temple records, and paintings, many of which are designated as National Treasures. Wall paintings and folding screens, created by artists from the Kano school, are located in the Sanbōin, the sub-temple where Toyotomi Hideyoshi hosted his famous cherry blossom-viewing party in 1598. Sculptures of Buddhist deities – A collection from the Heian and Kamakura periods, including Fudō Myōō and other guardian deities.
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Daigo-ji Bentendo Hall [/caption]
Bentendō Hall (弁天堂)
is one of the most iconic and scenic parts of the temple complex, situated on an island in a pond at the foot of the hill, near the entrance to the Lower Daigo grounds (Shimo Daigo). Bentendō Hall is dedicated to Benzaiten (Sarasvati), the goddess of knowledge and liberal arts. She is recognised as one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin).
(五重塔 Daigoji Gojū-no-tō),
The Five-story Pagoda – built in 951, is the oldest surviving building in Kyoto and the only structure that survived the Onin War (15th century). It stands about 38 metres tall.
醍醐寺 Daigoji
(81) 75.571.0002 22
Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1325, Japan
www.daigoji.or.jp