寺
Daitai-ji, a prominent Yakushi pilgrimage site in the Nanki region,
was established approximately 1,200 years ago by Saichō, the founder of Mount Hiei.
Situated in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Daitai-ji lies near the iconic Nachi Falls.
Listen to the
history
Origin
The temple was founded 1200 years ago by Saicho, the founder of Mount Hiei, and stands along the Kumano Kodo - an ancient pilgrimage trail.
According to the temple's origin story, Saicho carved a Yakushi Nyorai deity from a willow tree and enshrined it to stop a giant snake from tormenting the local people.
Today, the temple is known by many people as one of the most sacred places in the Nanki region.
Features
Daitai-ji was originally established as a Tendai sect temple, housing numerous Buddhist statues. However, during the Edo period, when the Kishu region became part of the Tokugawa Gosanke, it converted to the Rinzai sect.
Typically, Zen temples are renowned for their ink paintings and gardens, while it is uncommon for them to house a large number of Buddhist statues. Conversely, esoteric Buddhist temples rarely feature extensive collections of ink paintings or gardens.
Daitai-ji is a rare temple that combines the characteristics of both traditions, allowing visitors to admire its many Buddhist statues, appreciate ink paintings, and even experience Zen meditation.
Words from the Chief Priest
Daitai-ji Temple Chief Priest Tomi Nishiyama
Temples were once a part of people's lives. Children played freely on the temple grounds, adults came to ask priest advices about various life matters. Temples used to be full of people.
I want everyone to become familiar with temples again by removing the barrier that has become so high over time. With that in mind, I started a guesthouse.
Zen aims to look at things with free thinking and without fixed ideas. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the space and atmosphere of the temple in their own way.
You can experience Zen meditation or breakfast at a temple. You can cross hands quietly while praying in front of the Buddha statue or feel the profound ringing of the ancient bell.
We promise you a wonderful time that will clear your body and mind.