Banna-ji Temple

Overview

Banna-ji is the head temple of the Dainichi school of Shingon Buddhism, in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, in the northern Kantō region. Built on the ruins of the ancestral fortified residence of the Ashikaga clan, its grounds are designated a National Historic Site. The main hall is a National Treasure, and the site is counted among the 100 Fine Castles of Japan.

Highlights

• ●The head temple of the Dainichi school of Shingon Buddhism
• ●The main hall is designated a National Treasure
• ●Built on the ruins of the Ashikaga clan's residence and counted among the 100 Fine Castles of Japan
• ●Its grounds are a National Historic Site as the "Ashikaga Clan Residence Ruins (Banna-ji)"

History

Banna-ji originates in 1196 and stands on the ruins of the ancestral fortified residence of the Ashikaga clan, who ruled Japan during the Muromachi shogunate. Its grounds are designated a National Historic Site. The main hall is a National Treasure, and further structures on the site are designated Important Cultural Properties.

Map

36.3375, 139.4522 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Enter the grounds built on the ruins of the Ashikaga clan's residence
2. 2View the main hall, designated a National Treasure
3. 3See the structures on the grounds designated Important Cultural Properties
4. 4Trace the remains of the fortified site, one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Did you know?

💡 Because its principal image is Dainichi Nyorai, the temple is nicknamed Dainichisama.

Nearby spots