Daisenin Temple

A Daitokuji Sub-Temple Preserving a Muromachi Abbot's Hall

The Daisenin Temple (大仙院, Daisenin) is a sub-temple of Daitokuji in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, whose main hall, built in 1513, was designated a National Treasure in 1957; its shoin, rebuilt in 1614, is an Important Cultural Property.

The temple says it was founded in 1509 by Kogaku Soko, the 76th abbot of Daitokuji, who was revered by Emperor Gokashiwabara and by courtiers and warriors, and received the title Shoho Daisho Kokushi from Emperor Gonara in 1536.

The temple adds that the tea master Sen no Rikyu visited it regularly during his lifetime.

The Main Hall and the Shoin

According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the main hall is an abbot's hall dated to 1513 by its ridge tag, with six rooms in three rows of two, the most typical plan of a Zen abbot's hall. Its entrance and four ridge tags are designated with it.

The shoin was rebuilt by Takuan in 1614; the Agency describes it as one of the simplest in design among the shoin of Daitokuji's sub-temples.

The temple notes that it also has a dry landscape garden said to be the finest of the Muromachi period, and sliding-door paintings by Muromachi masters including Soami, Kano Motonobu and Kano Yukinobu.

Stories of Daisenin

The temple relates that its third abbot, Kokei Sochin, put himself in the way when Toyotomi Hideyoshi tried to take the garden's stones for his garden at Sanboin in Daigo.

The seventh abbot, Takuan Soho, protested to the shogunate in the Purple Robe Incident, and is said to have taught the secrets of the sword to Miyamoto Musashi in the shoin, called Shuunken.

Visiting Daisenin

The temple is open every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional changes. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for primary and junior high pupils; matcha tea is 500 yen.

It is 8 minutes on foot from the Daitokuji-mae bus stop, with no parking. Enquiries: Daisenin, 075-491-8346.