Daigoji Temple

In 874, Reverend Kobo Taishi’s disciple, Rigen Taishi founded this head temple of the Shingon sect. The entire 2.6 square miles of Mt. Daigo is the premise of the temple, the largest in Kyoto City. The grounds are divided into the “Kami-Daigo” on top and “Shimo-Daigo” at the bottom of the mountain with over 80 halls. When it was founded, monks exercised around Kami-Daigo. Later, Emperor Daigo worshipped here and supported the temple in building grand halls.

At this temple with over 1,100 years of history, an enormous amount of wooden treasures such as architecture and Buddha statues and paper treasures such as literature and paintings have been handed down. Of those, 75,000 items are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. In 1994, they were registered as Unesco World Cultural Heritage as part of the ancient city Kyoto’s cultural property.

This spot has been known as Flowery Daigo for the cherry blossoms since ancient times. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who conquered the warring lords and established peace, ordered to transplant 700 cherry trees from around the region and to build the current main hall Sanboin and the garden. In the spring of 1598, Toyotomi held a lavish party under the cherry blossoms, famous in Japanese history. To commemorate it, on the 2nd Sunday of Every April, there is a big parade that attracts many visitors.