Dairen-ji

Dairen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nomachi housing multiple Important Cultural Properties, including an Eleven-faced Kannon statue carved from a single wooden block and the Standing Statue of Yakushi Nyorai from the late Heian period. These wooden sculptures showcase the craftsmanship of earlier eras and serve as the temple's central religious focus.

The temple was founded in 1604 and served as a site for imperial prayers during Emperor Gokomyo's reign. It maintained ties with the Arisugawanomiya family over centuries and received Buddhist statues from Kankei-ji Temple during the Meiji period when Buddhism and Shinto were separated.

This temple serves as the eighth stop on the Rakuyo Kannon Pilgrimage route, a 33-temple circuit throughout Kyoto City. Visitors follow this traditional pilgrimage path to pay respects at each sacred site.

The location is easily walkable and situated in a quiet residential neighborhood with clear signage to its entrance. As part of a larger pilgrimage circuit, a visit can be combined with stops at other nearby temples.

The temple received a collection of wooden sculptures from another site during the Meiji Restoration, making it an unexpected refuge for artwork during a turbulent period. These works tell a lesser-known story of how religious art was relocated during this historical transition.

Location: Nomachi

Inception: 1604

Part of: Teramachi Temple Area

GPS coordinates: 36.55764,136.64858

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:41