Dairyū-ji, Buddhist temple in Gifu, Japan
Dairyū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Gifu that spans multiple areas with traditional wooden structures and carefully tended gardens throughout. Within its main hall stands a large lacquered Buddha statue decorated with detailed woodwork that immediately catches visitors' eyes.
The temple was founded during the Asuka period and originally followed the Shingon school of Buddhism before converting to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. This shift changed how the monks practiced and taught within its walls.
The temple is known locally as Daruma Kannon because of its connection to thousands of colorful wish dolls that people bring here each year. This practice shows how visitors use the space to release past hopes and start fresh.
Wear comfortable shoes as the temple is spread across uneven ground with multiple levels and stairs connecting different areas. Simple signage exists on the grounds, but taking time to explore the various zones helps you see everything the space offers.
The massive Buddha statue was crafted by hand over decades and contains countless layers of lacquer that give it its polished surface. This handwork technique makes the piece technically demanding in ways visitors might not realize at first glance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
