The temple's 'Eternal Fire' (Kiezu-no-hi) was used to ignite the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
It is the 14th temple on the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage route.
The complex houses thousands of small Jizo statues dressed in red bibs, donated by families in memory of children.
The interior of the Henjokutsu Cave is lined with sand from 88 temples across Japan, allowing pilgrims to symbolically visit all 88 sites at once.
The temple owns a collection of ancient Buddhist sutras that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Daishoin is a significant Shingon Buddhist temple located at the base of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. Founded in 806 AD by Kobo Daishi, it serves as the headquarters for the Omuro branch of the Shingon sect. The complex features multiple halls, including the Chokugan-do Hall where the Eternal Flame has been kept lit for over 1,200 years. Visitors walk up a staircase lined with 500 stone Rakan statues, each with a unique facial expression. The site is noted for its collection of Buddhist images, including a sand mandala created by Tibetan monks. It contains the Maniden Hall, a prominent structure housing a statue of Fudo Myoo. The temple grounds incorporate traditional Japanese rock gardens and autumn maple displays.
The staircase lined with the 500 stone Rakan statues looking back towards the temple structures.
Walk up the main staircase to see the 500 Rakan statues rather than taking the side paths.
Explore the basement of the Henjokutsu Cave for a quiet, incense-filled subterranean experience.
Look for the small stone figures wearing hats and scarves placed throughout the temple gardens.
Feeding the local wild deer on the temple grounds as they can be aggressive.
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings; maintain a quiet demeanor; do not photograph the interior of restricted prayer halls.
