Daigan-ji Temple
大願寺
An ancient Shingon temple right next to the exit of Itsukushima Shrine. It enshrines the Itsukushima Benzaiten, one of Japan's three great Benzaiten, and was responsible for the shrine's repairs before the Meiji period.
Daiganji is west of the exit from Itsukushima Shrine. It is said to have been founded in the early Kamakura period and was in charge of the repair and construction of Itsukushima Shrine until the Meiji-era separation of Shinto and Buddhism. Its main hall enshrines the Itsukushima Benzaiten, which together with Enoshima and Chikubushima is counted among Japan's three great Benzaiten. It is normally a hidden image and is revealed on June 17 each year. The grounds also include nine pine trees said to have been planted by Ito Hirobumi, and Buddha images associated with Taira no Kiyomori. The temple is quiet and often overlooked by visitors. Admission is free, and it is open roughly 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is right on the way out after visiting the shrine, and you can continue on to the Tahoto pagoda and the treasure hall.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Miyajima History and Folklore Museum
- Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall
- Tahoto Pagoda
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Kiyomori Shrine
- Senjokaku & Five-storied Pagoda
- Miyajima Public Aquarium (Miyajimarin)
- Daisho-in Temple