Daizenji: The Grape Temple

Daizenji, often called the 'Grape Temple,' is located in Katsunuma, the heart of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan's premier wine region. This mountainside temple ascribes to the Shingon school of Buddhism and boasts a history stretching back roughly 1,300 years to the Nara period. The temple's nickname originates from the legend of the monk Gyoki, who, in 718 AD, is said to have had a vision of Yakushi Nyorai (the Buddha of medicine and healing) holding a bunch of grapes. Inspired, Gyoki carved a statue of this grape-bearing Buddha and taught the locals how to cultivate grapes, which later became the Koshu variety used for herbal medicine and now, wine. While Gyoki's original statue is lost, a Yakushi Nyorai statue from the Heian period is enshrined in the main hall. The Yakushi sculpture is only displayed to the public once every five years. The main hall, dating back to 1286, is the oldest surviving building in Yamanashi and a designated National Treasure. Inside, the altar, dating from 1355, houses the Yakushi sculpture and two attendants. Flanking the altar are twelve heavenly general statues dating back to the Kamakura Period. Visitors can also explore the temple's traditional Japanese garden and the Sanmon Gate, which dates back to the 18th century. The temple's monks still grow grapes and make wine, available for purchase. Daizenji also holds the Wisteria Cutting Festival on May 8, a Selected Intangible Cultural Property. A steep stone staircase leads to the main hall, offering views of the Hikawa River and valley.