Most visitors to Miyajima head for Itsukushima Shrine and the torii, but Daisho-in, a short walk uphill, is the island's other great sacred site and one of the more rewarding places to see. The Shingon temple sits on the lower slope of Mount Misen, a stone staircase lined with prayer wheels leading up to a series of halls, statues and small shrines. A sacred flame inside the temple is said to have been burning for around twelve hundred years, and the story and the glow make it a favorite stop. There is also a cave lined with Buddhist images and a mix of lanterns and carvings that reward slow walking. Because it spreads across the hillside, the temple has many corners and viewpoints, and it often feels peaceful even when the shrine area is crowded. Entry to the temple is free, and the grounds are open to anyone who is respectful. It also marks the start of one of the hiking routes up Mount Misen, so it combines naturally with the ropeway or a hike.
Daisho-in is about a ten-minute walk from the ferry terminal and the shrine, past the main shopping street and along a path that rises gently toward the mountain. Look for the large gate and the stairway lined with prayer wheels, which visitors spin as they climb. Inside, take time at the main halls and the flame hall, then follow the paths to the cave and the upper terraces. The grounds include many small statues, and signs in English explain the main sights.
Etiquette is simple. Keep your voice low, do not touch offerings, ask before photographing people at prayer and follow any posted rules about areas where photography is not allowed. Wear shoes that are easy to slip off if you plan to enter a hall, and bring a small amount of cash in case you want to make an offering or buy a charm, since small purchases are usually cash-only. The temple closes in the late afternoon, so plan to arrive before then.
Timing and pairing matter. Go in the morning or in the early afternoon, when the shrine crowds peak, and add Daisho-in to your day as a breather between the shrine and the ropeway. In autumn the maples around the temple glow red, and in winter the air is crisp and the crowds thin. Many visitors who hike Mount Misen start here, taking the temple route up the mountain for a more scenic climb than the ropeway. It is a worthwhile detour for anyone who wants to see Miyajima beyond the postcard.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided walk up a hillside temple with prayer wheels, a flame hall, a cave of statues and viewpoints.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon; in autumn for maple color.
How long
One to one and a half hours.
Tips
Wear shoes that are easy to remove, carry a little cash, arrive before late afternoon and keep voices low.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors to Miyajima who want a quieter sacred site beyond the famous shrine.
- Families
- Children enjoy the prayer wheels and the cave, but there are many stairs.
- Couples
- A peaceful stop with views and atmosphere between the shrine and the mountain.
- Pair with
- Itsukushima Shrine and the Mount Misen ropeway or hiking trail.
- Time needed
- About an hour on top of your Miyajima day.
Good questions
Is Daisho-in free?+
Yes, entry to the temple grounds is free. Offerings and charms are optional.
How far is it from the ferry?+
About a ten-minute walk, past the shopping street and uphill along a signed path.
What is the sacred flame?+
A flame inside the temple said to have burned for around twelve hundred years, which visitors come to see.
Can I hike Mount Misen from here?+
Yes, one of the hiking routes up Mount Misen begins near the temple. It is a good alternative to the ropeway.
When does it close?+
It closes in the late afternoon, so arrive earlier in the day.
