Temple Grounds and Structures │ Honzan Ryuchizan Daiun-in Temple

Daiun-in is located in the southern part of Gion-machi in Higashiyama Ward. The spacious grounds which stretch over the south of Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park are filled with various structures of historical value.

Main Hall

In 1978, a two-story main hall was constructed using reinforced concrete and some steel framework, and this location was officially designated as the temple site. Inside the main hall, you will find the enshrined seated statue of Amida Buddha, which was relocated from the former main hall in Teramachi Shijo.

Main Hall

Main Hall and Cherry Blossoms

Former Makuzu-so Villa

The former Makuzu-so Villa was constructed in 1927 as a private villa by Okura Kihachiro. The structure is made entirely of wood, but the bedroom is made of reinforced concrete. The octagonal reception room has a unique design in the shoin-zukuri, a type of the traditional Japanese architectural styles.

Former Makuzu-so Villa

Octagonal Reception Room

Main Gate (East Gate)

The former Okura Villa was later owned by the Otani family, and the gate that was on the property of Hotel New Otani in Tokyo (formerly the property of the Fushiminomiya Imperial Family) was relocated. Is it because of its origin that the gate exudes such a graceful atmosphere?

Main Gate (East Gate)

South Gate

The South Gate, said to have been built in 1807, is the original main gate of Daiun-in. When the temple was relocated in 1973, it was also moved from Teramachi Shijo to this site.

South Gate

Bell Tower

In 1871, the bell tower of Kitano Tenmangu shrine was relocated to Daiun-in because it became unnecessary following the “Shinbutsu Bunri decree” in 1868, which aimed to separate Shintoism and Buddhism. The bell tower is a masterpiece, which is believed to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyori. The bell itself was originally situated at Yasaka Shrine and relocated to Daiun-in.

Bell Tower

Gion-kaku

The Gion-kaku is a building located behind the main hall of Daiun-in. It is a tower that stands 40 meters high, with two levels on the high stonework base and a copper column on the roof where a crane spreads its wings. This structure, resembling a Buddhist pagoda of this temple, currently houses the enshrined Amida Buddha in the cabinet at the front entrance on the lower level. On the ceiling of the third level, there is a bronze relief of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac installed, with a bronze lantern hanging in the center. Also, the walls from the first to the second level have several reproductions of Dunhuang murals, making it a building that could be considered equivalent to a Buddhist pagoda.

View of the South Gate and Gion-kaku from Maruyama Jizo Son (Buddhist statue)

Gion-kaku

Minamidani Betsuin Annex

In 1962, Daiun-in acquired the mountain villa “Nankei-en” and built Minamidani Betsuin Annex there, which was named after its former name of the location. Over time, the Shaka-do hall, Kaizan-byo, and tea rooms were relocated one by one from Daiun-in in Teramachi Shijo. In 1976, the construction of Zuisho-den was completed, giving the temple its final form. The garden, covering a total area of 3,000 tsubo, which is equivalent to 10,000 square meters, incorporates a Japanese gardening technique known as “shakkei (borrowed landscape).” It harmonizes the surrounding scenery, including views of Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo (the 36 mountains of Higashiyama), offering a variety of seasonal expressions.

Minamidani Betsuin Annex

Minamidani Betsuin Kaizan-byo

Minamidani Betsuin Garden

Minamidani Betsuin Shaka-do Hall