Visiting Guide

Buddha Hall

Important Cultural Property. The Buddha Hall was constructed in 1702. The building stands on a low foundation with an irimoya-zukuri, hirairi structure, and a roof that is now entirely covered in wood shingles.

The square structure has a narrower upper section that expands out under the first-floor roof. The overall design is based on Zen architecture, but there are many elements incorporating Japanese wayo style, and the hall well conveys the atmosphere of a local 18th-century Zen temple.

The two raigo-bashira pillars flanking the altar inside are the only round pillars—all other pillars all chamfered.

The upper-level bracket complexes are two-step brackets with tail rafters and decorative nose pieces. The lower-level brackets are three-bracket sets with nose pieces, all arranged in close formation. The eaves use double rafters, but the upper level has fan-shaped rafters.

The floor of the hall is a plastered earthen floor. Large beams hold up the roof with taiheizuka supports. The ceiling features a painting of a dragon surrounded by sacred birds.

The Tang-style altar stands in front of the two raigo-bashira pillars. The altar enshrines three deities. The narrower upper section is connected by ebikoryo beams, with the exposed ceiling beams acting as decorative accents to the structure.

There is great variety in how the spaces between pillars on the facade are used. The three center bays in the front are filled with twin folding doors. These are flanked by hanagashira windows to both sides (which are also present on the side walls). The rear wall has two round windows.

Hatto Hall

Prefectural Cultural Property. Hatto Hall was built around 1697 and was called Kyakuden until the mid-19th century.

A kyakuden is a building used for rest and entertaining guests. Records from the Edo period indicate the building was also called Sodo.

The bodhisattva Yoryu Kannon is enshrined on the altar here. The main deity of the temple used to be Sho-Kannon but was changed to Yoryu Kannon during the time of the 70th head priest of the temple named Itabashi Koshu.

Yoryu Kannon is the first of 33 manifestations of the bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokitesvara). Yoryu holds a willow branch and a water vessel and is said to have the power to cure illnesses.

Kuri

Prefectural Cultural Property. The kuri is estimated to have been constructed in the early 18th century. The kuri has a kitchen where monks prepare their meals and a room for entertaining guests.

The altar at the entrance enshrines the deities Bishamonten and Dakiniten.

Zazendo Hall

Prefectural Cultural Property. This hall is a dojo for training in the daily practice of zazen meditation.

The hall once stood to the left of the Buddha Hall but was dismantled during the Meiji period (1868-1912). The current building is a remodeling of the former Shuryo building.

The main deity is the bodhisattva Monju, who is respected as the ideal image of zazen training. Those training in meditation at Daijoji Temple were given one tatami mat of space where they can sit, eat, and sleep.

The temple no longer offers training for monks, but meditation workshops and training programs are open to the public.

Somon Gate

Prefectural Cultural Property. This is the first gate worshippers go through on their way to the temple.

The gate is commonly called Kuromon (“Black Gate”) due to its black color. It is said to have been built in 1665 on Daijoji-zaka in the town of Honda during the time of Ryuwa Gimon, the 24th head of Daijoji. It was rebuilt here when Daijoji was moved to its present location around the turn of the 18th century.

Sanmon Gate

Prefectural Cultural Property. The Sanmon Gate is the second gate at Daijoji. It is also called Akamon (“Red Gate”) due to its red color. It is said to have been built in 1638 during the time of Chozan Gen’etsu, the 21st head of Daijoji, and moved to its current location around the turn of the 18th century.

The tower enshrines the buddhas Shakyamuni, Kashyapa, and Ananda, along with the Sixteen Arhats.
The plaque reading 東香山 (“Tokyozan”) was based on calligraphy by Manzan Dohaku, 27th head of Daijoji. Manzan was a Zen master and is famous for bringing back the Soto school of Zen Buddhism.

To the right and left of the gate stand two Nio statues (Misshaku Kongo on the right and Naraen Kongo on the left), guarding the temple from evildoers.

Bell Tower

The bell tower was built around 1697.

The temple bell is said to have been cast in 1631. Supposedly the feudal retainer Ichihashi Masatada donated the bell to the temple in memory of his late father.

It is the oldest temple bell in Kanazawa. In Zen temples, the temple bell was used to announce the time. The inscription reads, “Buddha, Dharma, Sangha; all things are impermanent; this is the law of arising and passing away; when arising and passing away are extinguished; that stillness is bliss.”

Kaisando (Renpodo) Hall

Kaisando Hall enshrines Zen masters Dogen, Koun Ejo, Tettsu Gikai, Keizan Jokin, and Meiho Sotetsu, along with the previous heads of the temple. The hall is also called Renpodo Hall.

It is connected to Hatto Hall but was built earlier than Hatto Hall in June 1696 by funds left by Gesshu, 26th head of Daijoji.