When people think of Miyajima in Hiroshima, the iconic vermilion Torii gate floating in the sea at Itsukushima Shrine immediately comes to mind.
However, just steps away from the exit (West Cloister) of Itsukushima Shrine lies Kikyosan Hokoin Daigan-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple with deep cultural roots.
For this trip, I parked my car near Miyajimaguchi Station, boarded the local ferry across the water, and walked up the island’s classic sightseeing path.
I arrived around noon. Right outside the bustling shrine exit, Daigan-ji greeted me with a calm, serene atmosphere where time seemed to slow down.
By the way, I stayed at this hotel in Hiroshima.
Real Experience: Peaceful Atmosphere Steps Away from the Crowds
Passing through Itsukushima Shrine’s exit, Daigan-ji’s main gate appears almost instantly before your eyes.
While the shrine area was packed with visitors from all over the world, stepping onto Daigan-ji’s grounds felt completely different. The crowds thinned out, leaving behind a tranquil setting. The temple grounds are compact, making it easy to stroll around at a relaxed pace.
It felt like a wonderful hidden retreat where I could enjoy a quiet, peaceful moment away from the main tourist flow.
Buddhist Statues & Highlights: Meeting the Sacred & Hidden Statues
At first glance, as you walk around the compact courtyard, you might wonder, “Wait, are there any Buddha statues here?”
However, for fans of Buddhist art and heritage, Daigan-ji is actually an incredible treasure trove!
Sacred Statues Rescued from History
Daigan-ji’s main deity is Itsukushima Benzaiten, honored as one of Japan’s Three Great Benzaiten (alongside Enoshima and Chikubushima). She is a hidden deity (Hibutsu) kept behind closed doors, revealed to the public only once a year during the festival on June 17th.
Even though the main deity is hidden, taking a closer look into the main hall reveals a remarkable collection of Buddhist statues with a fascinating backstory.
During the Meiji era’s anti-Buddhist movement (Shinbutsu Bunri), sacred statues scattered across Itsukushima Shrine’s complex—including the main hall, Five-Story Pagoda, Senjokaku, and Tahoto Pagoda—were moved here to Daigan-ji for protection.
- Standing Wooden Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Important Cultural Property): The oldest surviving statue on Miyajima Island.
- Seated Wooden Statue of Shaka Nyorai (Important Cultural Property): Formerly the main image housed inside the historic Senjokaku Hall.
- Statues of Ananda and Kasyapa (Important Cultural Properties): Standing faithfully beside the main Buddha.
Behind the wooden lattice screens lies an impressive collection of statues that once formed the spiritual heart of Miyajima. Feeling the depth of history preserved in that quiet space was a truly moving experience.
Sightseeing Guide: Highlights & Historical Spots at Daigan-ji
Despite its compact size, Daigan-ji is packed with fascinating historical landmarks.
1. The Rebuilt Goma-do Hall & Huge Fudo Myo-o Statue
Reconstructed in 2006 for the first time in 140 years, the grand Goma-do Hall houses a massive 4-meter (16-foot) Fudo Myo-o (Acala) statue carved entirely from sandalwood. Seeing it up close is an awe-inspiring sight.
2. The Nine-Stemmed Pine (Kyu-bon-matsu)
Inside the courtyard stands a striking pine tree with branches spreading wide. Legend has it that the famous feudal lord Date Masamune brought this pine back from Korea and planted it here with his own hands.
3. A Setting for Historic Peace Talks
For Japanese history enthusiasts, Daigan-ji holds special significance as the site of the famous peace negotiations between Katsu Kaishiu (representing the Tokugawa Shogunate) and representatives of the Choshu Domain (including Saigo Takamori) during the late Edo period.
Basic Guide: Sect, Hours, Admission & Access
Here is the essential travel information for planning your visit to Daigan-ji Temple:
| Item | Details |
| Temple Name | Kikyosan Hokoin Daigan-ji Temple (亀居山 放光院 大願寺) |
| Sect | Koyasan Shingon Buddhism |
| Principal Image | Itsukushima Benzaiten (One of Japan’s Three Great Benzaiten / Hidden Deity) |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free for temple grounds |
| Parking | None on the island (Use paid parking lots near Miyajimaguchi Port) |
| Location | 3 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
| Access (Route Experience) | Park at Miyajimaguchi Port → Take the ferry to Miyajima Pier (approx. 10 mins) → Walk 15–20 mins (Located right at the exit of Itsukushima Shrine) |
Final Thoughts
Located right next to Itsukushima Shrine, Daigan-ji Temple offers a quiet space filled with centuries of history.
While the grounds may look simple at first glance, a closer look reveals remarkable Buddhist statues rescued through tumultuous times, alongside historic landmarks from the samurai era.
When visiting Miyajima, be sure to take a few extra steps after exiting Itsukushima Shrine to experience the quiet charm of Daigan-ji!
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