A temple hidden among trees and lanterns
Daisho-in Temple is one of the most atmospheric places on Miyajima, yet many tourists overlook it. It sits slightly uphill, surrounded by greenery, and you'll need to climb a few steps to reach it – but the effort is more than worth it. The atmosphere is sacred and peaceful, far from the hustle of the main street, with the sound of wind through the trees accompanying every step.
Inside the complex, you'll find numerous shrines of various sizes, each with its own unique features: statues, offerings, incense, and details that tell the story of local spirituality. But the true highlight is the famous lantern room: a rather dark space, with the ceiling entirely covered in hundreds of hanging yellow lanterns, creating an intimate, warm, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. It's truly a feast for both the eyes and the soul.
Entrance is completely free, and inside you can also find small souvenirs and devotional items to take home as a memento. If you're on Miyajima, take the time to climb up to this temple – it's absolutely worth it.
This was one of the most memorable visits of my whole japan trip. You should add and visit the place in Miyajima and you won’t regret it. We came here from Osaka for a daily trip, we took Shinkansen, walked to Hirosima center, saw the memorial first and then took Miyajima ferry.
The Daisho-in is one of the most important Buddhist temples on Miyajima and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, prayer halls, and hundreds of small stone statues.
The temple was founded in the 9th century by the Buddhist monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, who is said to have practiced meditation on the island. Over the centuries, Daisho-in became an important center of Shingon Buddhism and a place where pilgrims came to pray and study.
Unlike the crowded waterfront areas of Miyajima, Daisho-in feels quiet and deeply spiritual. Visitors walk through paths lined with statues, spinning prayer wheels, and lantern-lit halls that create a calm, reflective mood.
Today, the temple remains an active place of worship and one of Miyajima’s most meaningful historic sites, connecting visitors to centuries of Japanese Buddhist tradition.
Located on the sacred Mount Misen, and just footsteps away from the Itsukushima shrine and torii gate. It’s worth every step to visit. The scenery when you reach the temple is absolutely beautiful, other than the view it’s beautiful to walk around the trail here, buy a wooden ema and write down your wish (or take it as a souvenir) and sometimes put your phone away and observe the things there in real life.
One of our all time favorite place to visit in Japan. Not too crowded like other temples. Very beautiful gardens with wonderful walks. There are nice street foods surround the neighborhood also. A must visit
Visiting Daishoin during the New Year period was honestly one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve ever had in Japan. From the moment I stepped onto Miyajima, there was already a special atmosphere in the air—something calm yet festive, spiritual yet full of life. But it was at Daishoin where everything truly came together.
The approach to the temple felt almost magical. As I walked up the stone paths, I was surrounded by rows of small statues, each wearing tiny knitted hats and bibs, which gave off a warm, almost human feeling despite the winter chill. During New Year, these details felt even more meaningful—like each statue was quietly welcoming visitors and sharing in the celebration. The soft sounds of footsteps, distant bells, and murmured prayers created a peaceful rhythm that contrasted beautifully with the excitement of the season.
What made the experience even more memorable was the sense of tradition. New Year in Japan, or Japanese New Year, is a time when people visit temples to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. At Daishoin, I could see locals and visitors alike participating in these rituals—offering coins, ringing bells, and bowing with sincerity. It didn’t feel like a tourist activity; it felt real and deeply rooted in culture. Even as an outsider, I felt included in something meaningful.
The temple grounds themselves are incredibly rich and layered. Unlike some places that are just visually impressive, Daishoin feels alive. There are hidden corners, caves with flickering lanterns, prayer wheels you can spin, and countless small details that invite you to slow down and explore. During New Year, these elements felt enhanced—the lanterns seemed warmer, the incense more fragrant, and the prayers more heartfelt. Every step revealed something new, making it easy to lose track of time.
One of the highlights for me was the atmosphere at dusk. As the light began to fade, the temple took on a completely different character. The glow of lanterns against the darkening sky created a peaceful, almost mystical scene. It felt like stepping into another world, far removed from everyday life. Standing there, I felt a deep sense of calm and reflection—something that’s hard to find in modern, busy life.
Another thing that stood out was how balanced everything felt. Despite being a popular time of year, the temple never felt overwhelmingly crowded. There was space to breathe, to think, and to simply take in the surroundings. People were respectful, quiet, and focused on their own experiences, which added to the overall serenity.
