Daitsū-ji

Daitsū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nagahama with a large wooden gate, an expansive main hall, and two gardens called Ganzan-ken and Rantei designed with traditional landscaping elements. The buildings incorporate architectural details salvaged from historic castles and feature interior walls with painted decorations.

The temple was founded in 1602 by Buddhist priest Kyonyo and incorporates architectural elements from two historic castles. This reuse of building materials from older strongholds reflects how temples were reconstructed during this period.

The interior walls showcase paintings by major Japanese artists from different eras, shaping how the space feels and revealing shifts in artistic style over time. These artworks reflect the spiritual and aesthetic values that visitors encounter as they move through the halls.

The temple is located about 10 minutes on foot from Nagahama Station and welcomes visitors daily. Wear comfortable shoes since you will need to remove them indoors, and wear socks that you do not mind removing and putting back on several times while moving between indoor and garden areas.

The temple houses a bell dating back to the Nanbokucho period, making it centuries old. This historic bell remains one of the oldest treasures kept within the complex and offers insight into earlier Japanese craftsmanship.

Location: Nagahama

Inception: 1602

Founders: Kyōnyo

Website: http://daitsuji.or.jp/daitsuji

GPS coordinates: 35.38349,136.26914

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54