Daianji
奈良県
Head of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto — Kukai and Saicho studied at this temple tracing back to Prince Shotoku
Founded
729
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
From JR Nara Station, take a bus to Daianji stop, then 10 min walk
2-18-1 Daianji, Nara
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Overview
One of Japan\'s oldest official temples, tracing its origins to the Kumago Shoja built by Prince Shotoku in the reign of Empress Suiko, which developed through successive names—Kudara Daiji, Takechi Daiji, and Daikan Daiji. Relocated to its current site at the time of the capital\'s move to Heijokyo, it stood at the head of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto and at its height housed 887 scholar monk…
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Origins
The origins of Daian-ji trace back to the early 7th century, when Prince Shotoku is said to have founded a small temple known as Kumago Shoja during the reign of Empress Suiko. It was later developed as Kudara Daiji under the imperial vow of Emperor Jomei, then successively renamed Takechi Daiji and…
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Matchmaking
Safe Childbirth & Fertility
Warding Off Evil
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.
Derived from the enshrined deity "十一面観音"
祭Festivals & Events— 1
祭
1月
23
Daianji Bamboo Sake Festival
Warm sake served in bamboo at this temple known for cancer prevention prayers.
人Related Figures— 2
人
Saichō
Founder of Tendai Buddhism / Dengyo Daishi
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Saicho, along with Kukai, is said to have studied at Daianji, which served as a center of learning for Japanese Buddhism.
Prince Shotoku
Saint of the Seventeen-Article Constitution
Age 155 at founding (posthumous)
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One of Japan\'s oldest official temples, tracing its origins to the Kumago Shoja built by Prince Shotoku in the reign of Empress Suiko, which developed through successive names—Kudara Daiji, Takechi Daiji, and Daikan Daiji.
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Visiting Information
Hours
9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00). Open year-round except Dec 31.
Admission
Adults/university ¥600, high school and under ¥300. Special openings add ¥200.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
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記
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