Dairyu-ji Temple
大隆寺
A Soto Zen temple at the foot of Mt. Shiroyama in the Higashiyama temple district, founded in 1652 by Kanamori Yorinao, the 4th lord of the Takayama domain, with the priest Zenkai Soshun of Kyoto's Daitoku-ji as founding abbot. Originally a Rinzai Zen temple of the Daitoku-ji lineage, it fell into decline after the Kanamori family left Takayama, but was revived as a Soto Zen temple in 1776. The grounds hold the graves of Lord Yorinao and his wife, and a Benten-do hall built in 1801 is a city cultural property, while a bell-shaped gong dated 1289 is a Gifu Prefecture Important Cultural Property.
The Kanamori Yorinao family temple
Founded in 1652 by Kanamori Yorinao, the 4th lord of the Takayama domain, with Zenkai Soshun of Kyoto's Daitoku-ji as founding abbot, the temple's name is taken from Yorinao's Buddhist name. After the Kanamori family left Takayama it lost its patron and declined, but was revived as a Soto Zen temple in 1776 by Dairyo Soza of Tentoku-ji in Kanazawa, reaching its present form. The graves of Yorinao and his wife remain on the grounds.
City- and prefecture-designated cultural properties
The Benten-do hall, built in 1801 by the temple's third restoration-era abbot, is designated a Takayama City cultural property along with its plaque and ridge tablet. A bell-shaped gong dated 1289, passed down at the temple, is a Gifu Prefecture Important Cultural Property, conveying valuable history reaching back to the Kamakura period.
A quiet old temple along the Higashiyama walking course
Located partway along the Higashiyama Walking Course, the temple offers quiet worship in contrast to the bustling Sanmachi area. It's recommended as part of a temple-hopping route along the walking course together with Sogen-ji and other nearby temples; those wishing a detailed viewing should contact the temple in advance.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The greenery budding on the mountainside makes for a pleasant, quiet walk through the grounds.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Autumn leaves on Mt. Shiroyama color the entire grounds, pairing well with a walk along the Higashiyama course.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
The snow-covered area around the Benten-do hall takes on a hushed, atmospheric quality.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 15-20 minutes for the grounds
- Crowd levels
- Few tourists; quiet year-round
- Best time to visit
- Recommended as a daytime stop combined with the Higashiyama Walking Course
| Address | 228 Kasuga-machi, Takayama, Gifu |
|---|---|
| Hours | Grounds open for worship during the day (contact the temple for details) |
| Admission | Free to enter the grounds (contact the temple for details) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 25 min walk from Takayama Station (On foot via the Higashiyama Walking Course from the east exit (estimated time))