Daishō-in Temple

Overview

Daishō-in, also called Suishō-ji, is the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, located in Miyajima-chō, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima. Traditionally said to have been founded in the early 9th century, it is regarded as the oldest temple on the island of Itsukushima.

Highlights

• ●Maniden Hall enshrining the temple's principal deity, Sanki Daigongen
• ●Kannon-dō hall housing an eleven-faced Kannon statue
• ●Chokugan-dō hall dedicated to Fudo Myo-o, protector against evil
• ●Numerous statues including the Seven Lucky Gods and Ichigan Daishi

History

Daishō-in served as the administrative temple of Itsukushima Shrine, overseeing the shrine's Buddhist clergy. It is the 14th temple on the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and is counted among Japan's three great temples for warding off misfortune. The temple complex, together with Mount Misen, lies within the World Heritage Area of Itsukushima Shrine. In 2026, the Reikado Hall, which had housed a flame said to have been burning since the temple's founding, was destroyed in a fire. The flame was salvaged beforehand and kept safe, and the hall is now being rebuilt.

Map

34.2919, 132.3185 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Climb the stone steps to Maniden Hall, spinning the prayer wheels lining the staircase
2. 2Visit Kannon-dō to see the eleven-faced Kannon statue
3. 3Pay respects at Chokugan-dō, home to the Fudo Myo-o image
4. 4Take in the elevated view over the surrounding town from the temple grounds

Did you know?

💡 The stairway leading to Maniden Hall is lined with numerous prayer wheels that visitors can spin as they climb.

Nearby spots