Daishō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kamigyō-ku, Japan.
Daishō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto consisting of a main hall and several auxiliary buildings set within mature gardens. The complex displays typical features of Japanese Buddhist architecture with wooden-framed structures and traditional roof designs.
The temple was founded in 874 by the monk Shōbō, known as Rigen Daishi, and received backing from Emperor Daigo. This imperial support helped the temple maintain influence and importance in Kyoto across the centuries.
The temple displays wall paintings from the early esoteric Buddhist movement that remain visible inside and shaped Japan's religious art tradition. Walking through the halls, you can see how these depictions continue to guide the spiritual practice of worshippers today.
The temple is best reached by taking the Tozai Line subway to Daigo Station and then walking about fifteen minutes to the entrance. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the path to the gate rises gradually and the grounds themselves include paths through the gardens.
A five-story pagoda on the grounds dates to 951 and ranks among the oldest surviving structures in the entire prefecture. Viewing this building from outside reveals the craftsmanship precision of early medieval Japanese architecture.
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