Complete Guide to Daiganj Temple (Uda City, Nara Prefecture) | The Charm of an Ancient Temple Associated with Prince Shotoku and Medicinal Herb Cuisine
Daiganj Temple, located in Ojuda Oishio, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is an ancient temple of the Shingon Ninna-ji School said to have been founded during the Asuka period. With the legend that Prince Shotoku ordered Soga no Emishi to establish it, and known as the prayer temple of the Oda clan, this temple has become an important historical and cultural resource in Nara Prefecture, rich in historical value and cultural appeal.
In this article, we provide comprehensive information from the history and cultural properties of Daiganj Temple to access information and its famous medicinal herb cuisine, everything you should know before your visit.
History and Origins of Daiganj Temple
Legends of Its Founding and Connection with Prince Shotoku
The founding of Daiganj Temple is said to date back to the Asuka period (592-628). According to temple tradition, it was founded on the orders of Prince Shotoku through Soga no Emishi, and is positioned as one of the important temples during the period when Buddhism became firmly established in Japan.
The Asuka period was when Buddhism began to take firm root in Japan, and Prince Shotoku devoted himself to spreading Buddhism. Daiganj Temple is believed to have been founded as part of this policy and is one of the temples with an ancient history in Nara Prefecture.
The Official Name “Satta-san Daiganj Temple”
The official mountain name and temple name of Daiganj Temple is “Satta-san Daiganj Temple.” Satta (薩埵) is a word meaning bodhisattva and represents beings that embody Buddhist ideals. This mountain name indicates the high spirituality that the temple aims for.
As a member of the Shingon Ninna-ji School, with Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple, Daiganj Temple continues to uphold the teachings of Esoteric Buddhism to this day.
Deep Connection with the Oda Clan
Particularly noteworthy in the history of Daiganj Temple is its deep connection with the Oda clan. Oda Takatake (Oda no Takatake), the second head of the Oda family, deeply revered the Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, the principal image of Daiganj Temple, and designated this temple as the family’s prayer temple.
For the Oda clan, which ruled Uda Matsuyama Domain, Daiganj Temple was not merely a temple but a spiritual pillar where the family’s prosperity and the peace of the domain’s people were prayed for. Due to this historical background, Daiganj Temple has developed as an important cultural center in the Uda region.
The Value of the Principal Image—The Standing Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva
The Legend of the “Unburned Avalokiteshvara”
The principal image of Daiganj Temple is a wooden standing Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva sculpture believed to have been created in the Late Fujiwara period (Late Heian period). This Avalokiteshvara statue is known by the alternate name “Unburned Avalokiteshvara,” and a legend remains that it miraculously survived past fires without being destroyed.
The Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara is an Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva with eleven faces on its crown, viewed as a symbol of compassion that protects and saves all beings from all directions. The Avalokiteshvara statue at Daiganj Temple is also said in some accounts to date from the Nara period, and its historical and artistic value is extremely high.
Characteristics of the Buddhist Statue and Its Value as a Cultural Property
Buddhist statues from the Late Fujiwara period are characterized by serene, graceful expressions and flowing depiction of drapery. The Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue at Daiganj Temple strongly retains the style of this period and is a valuable cultural property that conveys to us today the refined aesthetic sensibility of Heian aristocratic culture.
Wooden Buddhist statues develop a unique patina through the aging of wood materials, and statues that have passed through long histories possess an inexpressible solemnity. When visiting Daiganj Temple, please be sure to stand quietly before this Avalokiteshvara image, place your hands together respectfully, and reflect on the history of faith spanning over a thousand years.
The Origin of the Alternate Name “Temple of Seven Blessings”
Daiganj Temple is also known by the alternate name “Temple of Seven Blessings” (Shichifukuji). The origin of this name has various theories, but it is believed to relate to the worship of the Seven Lucky Gods and to represent the seven blessings that the temple bestows.
The Seven Lucky Gods are deities of good fortune widely worshipped in Japan, and this alternate name indicates that Daiganj Temple has been cherished by local residents as a place that brings good fortune. This alternative name suggests that the temple was not merely a religious facility but an entity deeply integrated into the lives of the people.
The Charm of Its Famous Medicinal Herb Cuisine
Uda’s Medicinal Herb Culture and Daiganj Temple
One of the major attractions of Daiganj Temple is its famous medicinal herb cuisine. Uda City in Nara Prefecture has long been known as a production area for medicinal herbs, and records indicate that medicinal herb hunts were conducted during the reign of Empress Suiko, making it one of the birthplaces of Japan’s medicinal herb culture.
Various medicinal herbs, including Houttuynia cordata (ten-yaku), fennel (uki-kyou), and mugwort (yomogi), grow wild in the mountains surrounding Daiganj Temple. The vegetarian cuisine utilizing these medicinal herbs represents a unique food culture where Buddhist teachings that pray for health and longevity merge with the regional culture of Uda.
Content and Reservation Method for Medicinal Herb Cuisine
Daiganj Temple’s medicinal herb cuisine is offered at 3,800 yen (advance reservation required). The vegetarian cuisine using seasonal medicinal herbs makes the most of the original flavors of the ingredients while providing food that is kind to the body and nourishing to the spirit.
The dishes include tempura of Houttuynia cordata, seasoned dishes using fennel, and mochi mixed with mugwort—all featuring the benefits of medicinal herbs not ordinarily tasted in daily meals. Despite being vegetarian cuisine, it provides great satisfaction and is especially recommended for those with health-conscious diets or interest in food culture.
If you wish to enjoy the medicinal herb cuisine, advance telephone reservation is required. Contact the temple a few days before your planned visit and inform them of the number of people and desired time.
Tips for Enjoying the Medicinal Herb Cuisine
To maximize your enjoyment of the medicinal herb cuisine, keep these points in mind:
- Seasonal Variations: Different medicinal herbs are harvested in different seasons, so the dishes vary depending on when you visit
- Herb Properties: Each herb has traditionally transmitted properties, and understanding deepens by hearing explanations from the resident priest
- Unhurried Time: Vegetarian cuisine should not be eaten in haste. Savor it slowly in the temple’s quiet atmosphere
Points of Interest in the Temple Grounds
The Bishamonten Hall
On the temple grounds of Daiganj Temple stands the Bishamonten Hall, which enshrines Bishamonten, revered as a god of war and wealth. Bishamonten is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods, and its connection to the alternate name “Temple of Seven Blessings” is noted.
The Bishamonten Hall is constructed separately from the main hall and is an important architectural structure demonstrating the spread of faith among the samurai society from the Warring States period through the Edo period.
Autumn Foliage
Daiganj Temple is also known as a scenic spot for autumn leaves. Many pilgrims and tourists visit during autumn when the temple grounds and surrounding mountains turn vivid colors.
Uda City, located in Nara’s mountainous region, has a relatively early foliage season, with the best viewing period from late October through mid-November. Enjoying autumn foliage at a quiet mountain temple provides a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Atmosphere of the Temple Grounds
Daiganj Temple is an unsophisticated mountain temple that has not been over-commercialized, and its serene grounds are ideal for calming the mind. The approach up stone steps to the main hall serves as an entrance to a spiritual space removed from daily life.
From the temple grounds, one can view the mountains of Uda, and experience the beauty of nature in all four seasons. Particularly at dawn and dusk, the temple grounds are enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere.
Access Information to Daiganj Temple
Location
Address: 736 Ojuda Oishio, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
Access by Public Transportation
Access to Daiganj Temple by public transportation is possible, though the number of buses is limited, making advance confirmation important.
- From Kintetsu Osaka Line “Haibara Station”: Take the Nara Kotsu bus heading toward the “Ojuda” area, get off at “Oishio” bus stop, then walk about 5 minutes
- Travel Time: About 20-25 minutes by bus from Haibara Station
Bus service is limited, with only 1-2 buses per hour, so it is recommended to confirm schedules in advance on the Nara Kotsu website or timetable.
Access by Automobile
Access by automobile is most convenient.
- From “Hari IC” on Meihan Expressway: About 30 minutes via National Route 369
- From “Tenri IC” on Nishi-Meihan Expressway: About 40 minutes via National Route 169 and prefectural roads
- Parking: Parking spaces available around the temple (limited capacity, caution needed during major holidays)
When using a car navigation system, search for “Daiganj Temple Uda City” or the address for accuracy.
Precautions When Visiting
- Visiting Hours: It is recommended to confirm in advance (may vary by temple)
- Admission Fee: Ordinary worship is free, though special visits may require a fee
- Medicinal Herb Cuisine: Advance reservation is absolutely required
- Clothing: Since there may be mountain trails to walk, shoes suitable for hiking are recommended
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kagirohi no Oka Manyou Park
About 10 minutes by car from Daiganj Temple is “Kagirohi no Oka Manyou Park,” believed to be the setting for the famous poem by Kakinomoto no Hitomaro: “In the eastern field, I see the kagirohi rising; when I turn to look back, the moon has sunk.”
This park, developed as a site associated with the Man’yoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), offers a panoramic view of Uda’s beautiful scenery and particularly allows one to see “kagirohi” (dawn light) around the winter solstice at dawn.
Uda City Akino/Hitomaro Park
A park dedicated to Kakinomoto no Hitomaro where one can reflect on the Man’yoshu period. It is popular as a tourist route that allows visitors to experience Uda’s historical culture together with Daiganj Temple.
Matsuyama District Town Streets
The Matsuyama district in the Ojuda area where Daiganj Temple is located preserves Edo-period streets. Selected as a national Important Preservation District for Historic Groups of Buildings, visitors can stroll through beautiful streets lined with historic structures.
Muroji Temple
Known as the “Koyasan for Women,” Muroji Temple is about 20 minutes by car from Daiganj Temple. With its national treasure five-story pagoda and beautiful natural surroundings, the temple grounds are one of Nara Prefecture’s most representative tourist attractions.
Historical Culture of Uda City
History as a Town of Medicine
Uda City has been known since ancient times as a production area for medicinal herbs, with records indicating that medicinal herb hunts were conducted during the Asuka period (early 7th century). During the Edo period, along with “Uda paper,” medicinal herbs were cultivated as special products and the area flourished as a supply source for raw materials for Yamato medicinal sales.
The medicinal herb cuisine at Daiganj Temple can be said to preserve to this day the traditions of this region’s long medicinal herb culture.
Connection with the Man’yoshu
Uda is a place mentioned in the Man’yoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), particularly famous for the poems of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, and “Akino” is located within Uda City. It is a naturally abundant land cherished by people since the Man’yoshu period, and Daiganj Temple forms part of that history.
The Oda Clan and Uda Matsuyama Domain
In the early Edo period, Oda Takatake of the Oda clan, descended from Oda Nobunaga’s second son Nobutaka, established Uda Matsuyama Domain. The Oda clan ruled Uda for four generations and exerted great influence on regional cultural formation, including designating Daiganj Temple as their prayer temple.
Annual Events at Daiganj Temple
As a Shingon temple, Daiganj Temple holds various Buddhist services and events.
- New Year’s Three Days: The temple is busy with New Year’s visitors
- Spring and Autumn Equinox Observances: Memorial services for ancestors are conducted
- Obon (Mid-summer Festival): Urabon services are held
For specific dates and details of events, it is recommended to confirm with the temple in advance.
Etiquette and Mindfulness for Temple Visits
Basic Manners for Temple Visits
When visiting Daiganj Temple, please observe the following basic etiquette:
- Bow at the Temple Gate: Bow before entering the grounds
- Maintain Silence: Keep quiet within the grounds and refrain from loud conversation
- Photography: Photography inside the main hall or of Buddhist statues is generally prohibited. Even where photography is permitted, remember to be considerate of other worshippers
- Offering Money: Place it quietly with sincerity
- Hands Together in Reverence: Before the Buddha, place your hands together quietly and calm your mind
How to Spend Time at the Temple
At a quiet mountain temple like Daiganj Temple, you can find time removed from daily bustle to center yourself. Rather than hurrying on to your next destination, spend time leisurely within the grounds, taking care to feel the sounds of nature and the breeze.
Specialty Products and Cuisine of Uda City
Oku-Yamato Beer
Craft beer brewed in the Oku-Yamato region, which includes Uda City. Made using the region’s clear water and particular brewing methods. Enjoying a local beer after visiting Daiganj Temple is highly recommended.
Soba and Vegetarian Cuisine: Ichinyoan
Around Daiganj Temple, there are also dining establishments using local ingredients. Restaurants offering hand-made soba made with Uda soba flour or vegetarian dishes centered on vegetables allow visitors to experience the region’s food culture.
Uda Gold Burdock
“Uda Gold Burdock,” a specialty product of Uda City, is characterized by its high fragrance and tender texture. It can be purchased at local shops and makes an excellent souvenir.
Lodging Information
While there are few large hotels in the area surrounding Daiganj Temple, Uda City and neighboring Haibara and Muroji areas have inns and guesthouses.
- Guesthouses and Inns in Uda City: Offer cuisine using local ingredients
- Business Hotels near Haibara Station: Convenient as a base for access
- Lodging in the Muroji Area: Can be used in combination with Muroji Temple tourism
It is also possible to use a hotel in Nara City or Kashihara City as a base and visit as a day trip.
Daiganj Temple Through the Four Seasons
Spring (March-May)
Spring at Daiganj Temple brings fresh greenery and wild plants budding in the mountains. Cuisine using springtime herbs such as mugwort and fuki shoots is available. The mild weather makes this an ideal season for worship visits.
Summer (June-August)
The verdant temple grounds remain relatively cool even in summer. Houttuynia cordata flowers bloom and medicinal herbs are at their most vibrant. An early morning visit is particularly refreshing.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is the most beautiful season at Daiganj Temple. The temple grounds and surrounding mountains turn vivid with autumn foliage, offering spectacular views. The best foliage season is from late October through mid-November. The medicinal herb cuisine made with autumn herbs is especially fine.
Winter (December-February)
Daiganj Temple in winter, enveloped in silence, emanates a solemn air. Snow may accumulate, and snow-covered temple grounds possess fantastical beauty. The medicinal herb cuisine of winter warms the body.
Contact Information
For detailed information regarding visits to Daiganj Temple and reservations for medicinal herb cuisine, please contact the temple directly.
Daiganj Temple
Address: 736 Ojuda Oishio, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
For tourism information about Uda City, you may also contact:
Uda City Tourism Association
Provides tourism information about Uda City generally.
Nara Prefecture Tourism Bureau
Provides tourism information throughout Nara Prefecture and information on historical and cultural resources.
Conclusion
Daiganj Temple in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is a temple with diverse attractions: its legendary founding in the Asuka period, the tradition of Prince Shotoku’s patronage, its role as the prayer temple of the Oda clan, the Fujiwara-period Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue, and its medicinal herb cuisine that conveys the medicinal herb culture of Uda.
In its unsophisticated atmosphere uncompromised by commercialism, Daiganj Temple is a place where one can quietly encounter history and culture—a hidden gem of Nara Prefecture. When visiting Uda City, be sure to visit Daiganj Temple and experience both the weight of history spanning over a thousand years and the richness of culture rooted in the region.
The time spent savoring medicinal herb cuisine, placing your hands together before the Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and feeling nature’s beauty through the four seasons provides a valuable opportunity to step away from the busyness of modern daily life and center your mind.
