Overview
Daisen-ji is a Tendai-sect temple of betsukaku-honzan rank standing on the mid-slopes of Hoki Daisen within Daisen-Oki National Park, in the town of Daisen, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kakubanzan and its principal image is Jizo Bosatsu; it is known as the 29th sacred site of the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. With its halls built on the high mountainside, it has long flourished as the center of faith in the sacred peak of Daisen. Walking the cedar-lined approach, travelers are met by the solemn air unique to a mountain temple.
Highlights
- ●Halls including the Amida-do, designated a National Important Cultural Property
- ●A solemn precinct on the mid-slopes of Hoki Daisen as the center of Daisen faith
- ●The pilgrimage character of the 29th Chugoku 33 Kannon site and the Izumo Shinbutsu route
- ●Views of a mountain temple at one with the grand nature of Daisen-Oki National Park
History
According to temple tradition, Daisen-ji dates back to the year 718 and developed together with the mountain worship that reveres Hoki Daisen. As a Tendai betsukaku-honzan it has carried the heart of Daisen faith, and buildings such as the Amida-do in its precinct are designated National Important Cultural Properties. The temple grounds are also protected as a National Historic Site, and it counts among the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and the Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage sites, as well as the Top 100 Buildings selected by prefectural citizens, giving it wide-ranging historical and cultural value.
Access
The temple lies in Daisen, Saihaku District, Tottori Prefecture, at roughly 35.39 degrees north and 133.53 degrees east, on the mid-slopes of Hoki Daisen. It sits in the Daisen area of Daisen-Oki National Park and is generally reached by bus or car toward Daisen from stations such as Yonago on the JR San-in Main Line. Because it is on a mountainside, the approach is a continuous slope; please confirm transport schedules and parking through official information.
Best season
Early summer wrapped in fresh greenery and autumn, when the flanks of Daisen turn to color, are especially popular. Summer is a pleasant cool retreat, while winter turns the area into deep mountain snow, making warm clothing and sure footing essential. The sacred peak changes its face with each season, so choose your timing to match your purpose.
Map
35.3910, 133.5349 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Travel from the Yonago area to Daisen and arrive at the approach to Daisen-ji
- 2Climb the cedar-lined path and worship Jizo Bosatsu in the main hall
- 3Visit precinct structures such as the Amida-do, an Important Cultural Property
- 4Stroll on to the nature of Daisen in the national park and nearby sights
Did you know?
💡 Its mountain name is Kakubanzan and its principal image is Jizo Bosatsu. Said to have been founded in 718, it is the 29th site of the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and one of the Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage sites. The Amida-do and other structures are National Important Cultural Properties, the grounds are a National Historic Site, and it is chosen among the Top 100 Buildings selected by prefectural citizens.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!