Bairyū-ji

Overview

Bairyu-ji is a temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai Zen school, standing at the western foot of Mount Bairyu in Seki, Gifu Prefecture. Its mountain name is Daiun-zan. As the first stop on the Chuno Eighty-eight Sacred Sites pilgrimage, it has long been cherished by local people as the gateway to the route. Set among the gentle hills on the edge of Seki, the city famous for its blades, the temple greets visitors with the plain, composed atmosphere typical of Rinzai Zen.

Highlights

• ●The plain, well-ordered grounds typical of the Rinzai Myoshin-ji tradition
• ●A setting united with the mountain at the western foot of Mount Bairyu
• ●Its presence as the first temple of the Chuno Eighty-eight pilgrimage
• ●The quiet Zen air lingering on the outskirts of Seki, the city of blades

History

Belonging to the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school, the temple carries the mountain name Daiun-zan. Its name is thought to derive from its location at the foot of Mount Bairyu, and mountain and temple have long formed a single place of faith. Serving as the first temple of the Chuno Eighty-eight Sacred Sites clearly reflects its historical role. For the details of its founding and successive abbots, please check the official information.

Map

35.4796, 136.9200 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from central Seki toward Bairyu-ji at the foot of Mount Bairyu
2. 2Pass through the gate bearing the mountain name Daiun-zan into the grounds
3. 3Pay respects at the main hall and take the first step of the Chuno pilgrimage
4. 4Move on toward the next site while enjoying the views from the hillside

Did you know?

💡 The title of first temple on the Chuno Eighty-eight Sacred Sites marks Bairyu-ji as the entrance to the pilgrimage. A journey around the eighty-eight sites begins here, at Daiun-zan Bairyu-ji.

Nearby spots