Daiho-onji Temple

Overview

Daiho-onji Temple, also known as Senbon Shakado, is a temple of the Shingon sect's Chizan school located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto. It was founded in 1221 (Jokyu 3, Kamakura period) by Priest Giku, who was said to be a grandson of Fujiwara Hidehira and, after training on Mount Hiei, established this temple. The highlight of Daiho-onji Temple is undoubtedly its main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property. Built in the Kamakura period, it's the oldest extant building in Kyoto, offering a palpable connection to history. Remarkably, it survived the Onin and Bunmei Wars, preserving its original appearance and making it a precious cultural asset. The construction of the main hall is entwined with a legend about the carpenter's wife, Okame. The chief carpenter, Nagai Hida no Kami Takatsune, made a critical mistake in the dimensions of an irreplaceable pillar. His wife, Okame, suggested using a different type of joint, saving the project. However, fearing the repercussions of a woman having solved such a critical problem, she committed suicide before the completion ceremony. Takatsune, in remembrance of his wife's sacrifice, built a stone pagoda (Okamezuka) and adorned it with a decorative fan bearing a cheerful mask (okame-men) in her honor. This act led to Okame becoming a patron saint of carpenters, and even today, an otafuku mask adorns the ceremonial fans at building completion ceremonies. At Daiho-onji Temple, a daikon (radish) stew is served during the Jo-dokai Buddhist service on December 7th and 8th. This tradition originated in the Kamakura period when a temple priest, Jizen, inscribed Buddhist characters on the cut surfaces of daikon as a prayer for good health. Today, people believe eating this daikon stew protects against stroke and other illnesses, attracting many visitors. Daiho-onji Temple offers a captivating experience, steeped in history and culture. We highly recommend a visit.