Nestled within the historic Myoshinji Temple complex in Kyoto, Daishin-in Temple beckons as a hidden gem. Operating a unique lodging house, it retains the essence of its past when monks from across Japan sought refuge here. Open year-round to visitors, Daishin-in boasts a rich history dating back to 1479. The main hall, entrance, and a charming dry landscape garden named “A-Un Garden” contribute to the temple’s serene ambiance. Experience traditional vegetarian cuisine and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this well-preserved sanctuary. As part of the Myoshinji Temple grounds, Daishin-in provides a rare opportunity for an authentic spiritual retreat.
Daishin-in Temple is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple and operates a lodging house. In the past, monks from temples of the Myoshinji sect throughout Japan stayed at the pagoda temple when they visited Myoshinji. This is the only Myoshinji sub-temple with vestiges of those days. Today, the general public can also stay at the temple and enjoy vegetarian cuisine.
The Daishin-in temple does not have a sign for visitors, and many tourists pass by. However, the temple is open to visitors all year round.
The temple was first opened in 1479 by Hosokawa Masamoto, the chief administrator of the Ashikaga Shogunate, in Dashin-in-cho, Kyoto. The temple was once lost during the Onin War. Later, in 1497, after moving to Myoshinji Temple, it became one of the sub-temples of Myoshinji Temple.
The main hall and the entrance area were built during the Kan’ei period (1624-1643). The sculpture at the entrance is said to have been made by Jingoro Hidari. The shoin was built in 1768, and the ancestral hall (Sodo), built in 1666, once belonged to Myoshinji Temple but was returned to this temple in 2003.
There is a dry landscape garden, “A-Un Garden”, to the south in front of the Shoin. The stones in this garden represent Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The garden, so to speak, plays the role of a second main hall.
Nearby spots from Daishin-in Temple
The temple is located within the grounds of Myoshinji Temple, making it easy to visit Myoshinji and its many sub-temples.
Most of Myoshinji’s sub-temples are either closed to the public or open to the public only at very limited times. In addition to Daishin-in Temple, Taizo-in Temple and Keishun-in Temple are open to the public throughout the year.
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[…] of the notable sub-temples include Taizo-in, Keishun-in, Torin-in, Daisin-in, Daiou-in, Shunko-in, Keishun-in, Esho-in, and Ryogen-in, among many […]