Daikakuji is the head temple of the Shingon Daikakuji school, established in 876 when Emperor Saga's detached palace Saga-in was converted into a temple; it is a prestigious monzeki where emperors or imperial family members have served as head priests throughout its history. During the Northern and Southern Courts period it became the residence of the Southern Court, serving as a stage for politic…

Daikakuji traces its origins to 876, when the imperial detached palace Saga-in, originally built for Emperor Saga, was converted into a temple, reportedly at the initiative of Imperial Princess Masako. From its founding, the temple served as a monzeki—a prestigious institution headed by an emperor o…