Daizenji Temple

What to know

Daizenji (大善寺) is a temple in Katsunuma near Kofu. It is commonly called the "grape temple" because grape cultivation is said to have started here in the 8th century, around the time the temple was founded. The grounds contain many impressive artifacts, including its beautiful main hall. The complex sits on a vineyard-covered hillside overlooking the Kofu Plain.

The main hall dates from the Kamakura Period (1192–1333) and is a designated National Treasure. It stands at the top of a long flight of stairs. The Buddhist monk Gyoki is said to have founded the temple after being met by the Yakushi Buddha holding a cluster of grapes. Inside the main hall is a statue of the grape-bearing Buddha, though this is a copy; the original is kept out of public view.

The Buddha is enshrined in an altar presented to the temple centuries ago as a gift from the powerful Takeda clan, who ruled this area for generations. Flanking the altar are twelve heavenly general statues guarding the Buddha, also dating from the Kamakura Period.

At the bottom of the long staircase in the temple's lower grounds, visitors can enter one of the precinct buildings to view a lovely Japanese garden behind it. The lower grounds also contain the temple's large Sanmon Gate, which dates from the 18th century, and a garden where grapes are grown.

A bus runs from Enzan Station to the temple (35 minutes, 300 yen one way), but it operates only every 2–5 hours. Enzan Station can be reached from Kofu Station in 20 minutes for 350 yen on the JR Chuo Line. The infrequent loop buses serving the winery area also stop at the temple. Alternatively, Daizenji can be reached from Katsunumabudokyo Station by taxi in about ten minutes (around 1000–1500 yen one way) or on foot in about 45 minutes.