Kaidan-in

Kaidan-in is a Buddhist ordination platform in Dazaifu featuring a central hall housing a large statue of Rushana Buddha carved from hinoki cypress wood during the Heian period. The temple grounds sit along a gravel path accessible from Route 76, reflecting the classic layout of early Buddhist centers in Japan.

Chinese monk Jianzhen founded this temple in 761, establishing it as one of three authorized ordination halls for Buddhist ceremonies in Japan during the Nara period. This early foundation made it a key center for formalizing Buddhist monastic practice across the country.

The temple displays three carved Buddhist statues, with the Cosmic Buddha flanked by Miroku Bosatsu and Monju Bosatsu, representing salvation and wisdom in daily worship. These figures show how Buddhist teachings took root and developed in this place.

The temple requires about a 20-minute walk from Dazaifu Station, followed by a gravel path from Route 76 to reach the entrance. Early morning visits offer the quietest experience, with fewer crowds and better light for viewing the buildings and statues.

The temple grounds incorporate soil from three Buddhist nations—India, China, and Japan—symbolizing the spread of Buddhist teachings across Asia. This blend buried beneath the temple floor creates a tangible link between the religion's origins and its path through the region.

Location: Dazaifu

Inception: 761

Founders: Jianzhen

Website: http://kaidanin.sunnyday.jp

GPS coordinates: 33.51478,130.52083

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44