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.
Absolute favorite temple of my time in Japan. Daishoin is set across the forested slopes of Mount Misen and feels serene and peaceful from the very moment you enter the grounds. But be prepared for lots of stairs.
The Path of the 500 Rakan is unforgettable, hundreds of small stone statues line the stairway, each with a unique expression that reflects the many emotions of human life. It’s both whimsical and deeply moving, inviting you to slow down, look closely, and reflect as you walk.
I also love the Henjokutsu Cave. Its dimly lit, lantern-filled interior is lined with Buddhist statues and features 88 stone panels set into the floor, representing the temples along the famous Shikoku pilgrimage route. It’s said that stepping on each panel grants the same spiritual blessings as completing the multi-day pilgrimage itself. Walking through the cave feels quiet and reverent, almost otherworldly, and offers a powerful moment of introspection away from the outside world.
What truly sets Daishoin apart, though, are the calming spiritual sounds that echo through the grounds. The smell of incense, gentle ringing of bells, the low hum of chanting, and, if you time your visit just right, the rhythmic beat of drums during a Buddhist ritual create an atmosphere that feels deeply grounding and sacred. Standing there, listening to the bells and the monks’ humming, felt incredibly moving.
Daishoin is not just a place to see, it’s a place to feel. It is easily one of the most special and meaningful places I’ve visited in Japan, and a temple I will never forget.
Don’t miss out on this temple- it comes with a ton of hidden gems. Upon arrival (free entrance), head left instead of taking the stairs straight up and you will come upon small disciple statues with different facial expressions. Take that way the way up to announce your visit by hitting the gong. At the main temple, go through the underground passage to leave all the bad spirits behind. Lastly, make your final visit at the cave with 88 status, representing the Shikoku pilgrimage.
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.
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.
