Hiroshima and Miyajima · Miyajima
Daisho-in Temple
According to the temple, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) founded it in 806, after returning from China and training on Mount Misen, and it is the oldest temple on the island. It is the head temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism. Until the Meiji period it conducted the rituals of Itsukushima Shrine, and in its Kannon Hall stands an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue that previously stood on the shrine grounds.
The temple climbs in steps up the side of the mountain. Along the steps are metal prayer wheels, and according to the temple one turn equals one reading of the Heart Sutra. There is a cave, the Henjokutsu, with statues representing the 88 temples of the Shikoku pilgrimage route, a hall with the 33 forms of Kannon, and Jizo statues for the Chinese zodiac signs. Next to the steps is the 'Garden of the Five Hundred Rakan', small stone statues of the Buddha's disciples.
The temple is also responsible for the buildings on the summit of Misen. On 20 May 2026 the Hall of the Fire (Reikado) and the reception office there burned down. In the hall, according to the temple, the 'eternal flame' had burned since 806, and the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima was also lit from it. According to Nikkei, the flame itself was kept in another place. A prayer ceremony for the rebuilding will be held at the ruins on 20 October 2026 at 11:00, open to all.
Good to know
- According to the temple, the hiking trail to the summit of Misen that starts from the temple takes up to two hours each way. According to the temple, no boxed meals are sold at the summit, so bring water and food. If you start after 15:00, check the sunset time and the last ropeway.
- Under the main hall runs the 'Kaidan-meguri', a passage in total darkness. According to the temple, you walk through it slowly with your left hand on the wall until you reach the Kannon statue.
- The temple serves a vegetarian Buddhist meal (shojin ryori) between 11:00 and 14:00, only for groups of 4 or more and with booking 5 days ahead.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Daisho-in Temple.
- HereDaisho-in Temple
- ~6 min
Anagomeshi Fujitaya Food
Anagomeshi, grilled conger eel on rice, the dish most linked with the island.
- ~7 min
Momijido Main Store Food
Momiji manju cakes shaped like a maple leaf, and also 'age-momiji', a version fried in batter that is a registered trademark of the shop.
- ~9 min
Yamadaya Miyajima Main Store Shopping
At the main store of Yamadaya on Miyajima island you bake by hand two momiji manju cakes in the shape of a maple leaf, one with red bean pas
- ~10 min
Kakiya Food
A restaurant that serves only oysters. Oysters grilled over a strong flame, 2 for ¥750, and a set of grilled oysters, fried oysters, oyster rice and miso soup for ¥2,900. According to the restaurant, it is listed in the Michelin Guide for the Hiroshima area.
- ~20 min
Miyajima Ropeway More to see
Two ropeway sections from Momijidani Park to Shishiiwa Station, and from there about half an hour on foot to the summit. ¥2,000 round trip, ¥1,100 one way. On busy days you must book in advance on the ropeway's website, in 2026 mainly on weekends in November. The Matsudai Kisen combined ticket, ¥2,100, includes their ferry round trip, the visitor tax and the ropeway. With the JR Pass the JR ferry is already free, so the combined ticket is less worthwhile. There is a free shuttle bus to the lower station.
More in Miyajima
Appears in: Hiroshima and Miyajima: the Peace Memorial in the morning, the floating torii gate in the evening