Daisho-in (大聖院, Daishōin) is one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. It is located at the base of Mount Misen, on which the sect's founder, Kobo Daishi, first began the practice of Buddhism on the island of Miyajima.
Daisho-in features a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects for visitors to admire. These include the Kannon-do Hall, the Maniden Hall, a sand mandala made by visiting monks from Tibet, a tea room and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
An interesting Buddhist ritual can be performed when walking up the temple's steps. Along the stairs is a row of spinning metal wheels that are inscribed with sutras (Buddhist scriptures). Turning the inscriptions as one walks up is believed to have the same effect as reading them. So, without any knowledge of Japanese or Sanskrit, you can benefit from the blessings that the reading of the sutras is believed to entail.
From Daisho-in's temple grounds, a hiking trail leads to the summit of Mount Misen, where a few more temple halls are located. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours.
Getting there and around
Daisho-in Temple is a five minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine or a 15 minute walk from the ferry pier.
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
Hotels around Miyajima
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ItsumoyaLocated in Miyajima, 400 metres from Five Storey Pagoda and 600 metres from Itsukushima Shrine, Itsumoya offers a garden and air conditioning. The property features inner courtyard views and is 1.1 km from Daisho-in Temple and 600 metres from The great Torii. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Tsutsumigaura Beach is 2.3 km away. The spacious ryokan is equipped with 1 bedroom, a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a toaster, and 1 bathroom with a bidet, slippers and a washing machine. The ryokan offers bed linen, towels and laundry service. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Momijidani Park, Museum of History and Folklore and Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.View on Booking.com
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Ryoso KawaguchiRyoso Kawaguchi, a property with a garden and a shared lounge, is located in Miyajima, 2.7 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach, 100 metres from Five Storey Pagoda, as well as 300 metres from Itsukushima Shrine. This ryokan provides free private parking, free shuttle service and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. Some units are air conditioned and include a seating area with a flat-screen TV. At the ryokan, every unit includes a shared bathroom. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Daisho-in Temple, The great Torii and Momijidani Park. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 29 km away.View on Booking.com
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Oyado TsukiusagiOyado Tsukiusagi is set in Miyajima, 600 metres from Five Storey Pagoda, 800 metres from Itsukushima Shrine, as well as 1.3 km from Daisho-in Temple. It is located 2.4 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach and provides luggage storage space. Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall is less than 1 km from the ryokan and Shiraito Falls is a 17-minute walk away. Featuring a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include The great Torii, Momijidani Park and Museum of History and Folklore. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.View on Booking.com
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Yamaichi BekkanFeaturing 2-star accommodation, Yamaichi Bekkan is set in Miyajima, 2.3 km from Tsutsumigaura Beach and 700 metres from Five Storey Pagoda. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The ryokan features family rooms. All units in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries, the units at the ryokan have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a seating area. The units are equipped with heating facilities. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the ryokan offers a selection of packed lunches. Popular points of interest near Yamaichi Bekkan include Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple and The great Torii. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 28 km away.View on Booking.com
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Itsukushimahigashimonzen KikugawaItsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa in Miyajima provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. This 2-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. Tsutsumigaura Beach is 2.3 km away and The great Torii is 600 metres from the ryokan. With a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Five Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 28 km from Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa.View on Booking.com
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JukeisoJukeiso features Japanese-style rooms overlooking the majestic entrance gate (Torii) of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, only a 5-minute walk from the Unesco World Heritage Site itself. The hotel offers public and private hot baths and a free shuttle to/from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby. Japanese-style hotel Jukeiso is a 10-minute walk from Hokoku Shrine and Goju-no-To Pagoda. It's a 14-minute walk from Momijidani Park, and a 19-minute walk from the Miyajima Ropeway at Momijidani Station. Guests can unwind in a public indoor bath, which is available 24 hours, while an outdoor bath for private use offers views of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Jukeiso serves a Japanese breakfast and dinner at its restaurant. Besides amazing nature views, comfortable rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and an en suite bathroom. Yukata robes and green tea are provided. Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on the tatami (woven mat) floor.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Guest House MikuniyaLocated on Miyajima (Itsukushima), Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya offers a Japanese-style accommodation and a small garden. Free Wi-Fi is available. Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in a private Japanese-style room or a dormitory room shared with other guests. Private rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon mattress whereas dormitory room provides wooden beds. Bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets are shared with other guests. The common lounge features tourist guide books, a TV and a desktop computer. Lockers and the common kitchen are also available to guests for free. Mikuniya Miyajima Guest House is a 6-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Guests can also walk to Marine Plaza Miyajima within a 10-minute walk. A complimentary breakfast and dinner are provided; however, guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the kitchen to prepare meals.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Grand Hotel ArimotoA 3-minute stroll from Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto boasts an outdoor hot spring bath. It offers luxurious Japanese-style and Western rooms and a free shuttle from Miyajima Pier. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Spacious rooms feature either traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven mat) floor, or carpeting and twin beds. All feature a minimalist interior in neutral colours, with a Japanese-style as well as a Western seating area and an LCD TV. Guests can unwind in a soothing artificial hot spring, which is separate for men and women. Arimoto Grand Hotel houses a souvenir shop, drinks vending machines and limited free parking. Authentic Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood is served at restaurant Shioji in a stylish contemporary setting, and in more traditional surroundings at Kappo Karaku. The Miyajima Arimoto also offers a coffee lounge, a bar and a Japanese noodle restaurant. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is less than a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Pagoda Goju-no-To and historical Senjokaku Hall. The Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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IwasoLocated in the World Heritage Miyajima Island, Iwaso features Japanese-style accommodations with beautiful surrounding views. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and request for massages. A free shuttle is available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is also a 5-minute walk away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms in the Annex include a private bathroom with a bath and toilet, while rooms in the historical Main Building and Cottage Annex have shared bathrooms and toilets. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and enjoy singing at the karaoke room. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available at the 24-hour front desk. A computer with internet is provided in the lobby for an extra charge. A traditional multi-course dinner featuring seafood and local ingredients and a Japanese breakfast are served at the restaurant. Iwaso Inn is a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Miyajima Aquarium is a 10-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Seaside HotelOnly a 5-minute drive from Miyajima Ferry Port with its free shuttle, beautiful ocean views can be enjoyed from Miyajima Seaside Hotel. The hotel features a public bath, a karaoke room and free WiFi at the lobby. Japanese-style rooms feature a tatami (woven mat) floor and shoji sliding paper screens. Some rooms offer tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea. They are fitted with an LCD TV, a mini-fridge and traditional futon beds. An en suite bathroom and yukata robes are provided. Guests can savour Japanese dishes for breakfast and a traditional Japanese set menu for dinner. Miyajima Hotel houses a soothing hot public bath, a souvenir shop and free-use laundry facilities. Drinks vending machines are on-site, and free parking is available. Seaside Hotel Miyajima is a 5-minute drive from the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It's a 5-minute drive from Senjokaku Hall, and an 8-minute drive from Daisho-in Temple. Miyajima Ropeway lift is a 5-minute shuttle and a 20-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Miyajima
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Hiroshima Peace Cycling Tour with Local Guide (2h Course)Visit Hiroshima during your trip to Japan and learn about the impact of the atomic bombing in this tourView on Klook
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An Amazing set of Cultural experience in Miyajima: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and CalligraphyImmerse yourself in Japanese culture by joining a tea ceremony, calligraphy experienceView on Klook
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Sea Kayak Tour to the History of Tomonoura in the Seto Inland SeaEnjoy a unique sea kayak tour from the sea, exploring the historic port town of Tomonoura.View on Klook
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Explore the Nature that Inspired Ghibli Movies by Kayak (Half Day)Experience the historic port town of Tomonoura from the sea on a unique sea kayak tour.View on Klook
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