Daianraku-ji

Daianraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nihonbashi featuring a main hall constructed in traditional Japanese wooden architecture with designated spaces for ceremonial activities. The temple includes areas specifically arranged for meditation and religious gatherings of the Buddhist community.

The temple was established in 1875 on the site of a former prison, with its name derived from two prominent donors, entrepreneurs Okura Kihachi and Yasuda Zenjiro. This founding by private patrons reflected a shift toward private support for religious institutions in the district.

The temple serves as the fifth stop on the Edo pilgrimage circuit, where visitors can receive temple stamps that mark their progression through this Buddhist practice.

The temple is accessible to visitors interested in exploring Japanese religious sites and their architectural features in central Tokyo. The location offers a peaceful setting within the city for those seeking to experience traditional structures and their design.

The main hall contains a statue of Kobo Daishi brought from Mount Koya, giving the temple its alternate name Shin-Koyasan. This connection to one of Japan's most sacred mountains draws pilgrims seeking a link to that venerated site.