Dainichibo Temple Dainichibô 大日坊
Area: Oami (Yudono)
Distance from the station: 45 minutes (by car)
Type: Spiritual
History:
It is said that Kobo-Daishi (or Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism (the esoteric school of Buddhism specific to Japan) himself built this temple in 807.
This is where you will find Shinnyokai's mummy, remaining in the temple since 1786. According to the temple's monks, Shinnyokai decided to become a monk when he realized he was involved in an accident that caused two children's death.
Academicians say it was because he was involved in the murder of two men. Whom will you believe..?
Apart from the mummy, you will find an extensive collection of Buddhist statues, the 1800-year-old cedar tree Odan no Sugi 皇壇の杉, and relics that belonged to the Tokugawa Family.
HIGHLIGHTS
Shinnyokai's mummy
真如海上人
The legendary orange-clothed mummy.
Entrance gate
仁王門
A beautiful thatch-roofed entrance gate surrounded by rice fields and a flower garden.
Odan no Sugi the 1800 y.o cedar tree 皇壇の杉
The legend says the 12th prince of Japan: Mimorowake no Oji 御諸別皇子 is buried at its feet.
Map:
Basic Info
Entrance fee: 500 yen per adult (400 yen per child)
Open hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (entries accepted until 16:30)
Closed days: None
Address: Nyūdō-11 ŌamiTsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0531
Phone number: (+81)235-54-6301
Website: http://www.dainichibou.or.jp/en/
Go by bus
Weekdays Only
Dainichibo and Churenji Temples are located in Oami village. To go to Oami village, take the bus from Tsuruoka Station to Asahi Chosha, and make a transfer at Asahi Chosha Mae for the City Van Shuttle Bus bound for Tamugimata. Get off the bus at Oami or Oami-kyoku mae.
Tsuruoka Station鶴岡駅前③のりば ↔ Asahi Chosha 朝日庁舎
Transfer