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Daizenji: The Grape Temple

Discover Daizenji, the 'Grape Temple' in Yamanashi: a blend of Buddhist history, stunning architecture, and the origin of Japanese viticulture.

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Daizenji, nestled in Katsunuma, Yamanashi, is a Buddhist temple known as the 'Grape Temple' for its association with the region's viticulture. Founded in the Nara period, legend says a monk, Gyoki, had a vision of Yakushi Buddha holding grapes, inspiring him to promote grape cultivation. The main hall, a National Treasure, dates back to the Kamakura Period.

A brief summary to Daizenji

  • Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the Wisteria Cutting Festival on May 8 to witness a unique cultural event.
  • Purchase locally made wine produced by the temple's monks as a unique souvenir.
  • Climb the steep stone staircase to the main hall for panoramic views of the Hikawa River and valley.
  • Check if the Yakushi sculpture is on display, as it is only shown to the public once every five years.
  • Explore the temple's traditional Japanese garden and the 18th-century Sanmon Gate.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Enzan Station, take the bus towards Daizenji Temple (35 minutes, ¥300). Note that this bus operates infrequently, every 2-5 hours. Alternatively, from Katsunumabudokyo Station, you can take the Koshu Shimin Bus (Wine Course) and get off at Daizenji Bus Stop (14 minutes). From Shioyama Station, take the Koshu Shimin Bus (Koshu City Cross-Island Route) and get off at Daizenji Bus Stop (33 minutes).

  • Taxi

    From Katsunumabudokyo Station, a taxi to Daizenji Temple takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥1000-¥1500. Taxis are readily available at the station.

  • Walking

    From Katsunumabudokyo Station, it is approximately a 45-minute walk to Daizenji Temple. The route involves some uphill walking. Follow the main road from the station, and you will see signs directing you to the temple.

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Discover more about Daizenji

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.

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