Daizenji Taisekiji Temple

Little knownBarely documented in English. This is the kind of place the site exists for.

Recherche et rédaction Hinato

Buddhist templegrapeswisteriaautumn foliagewine region

Préfecture de Yamanashi · Koshu

35.6397°N, 138.8828°E

Daizenji Taisekiji Temple, nestled in the Katsunuma wine valley, has an unusual claim: it houses a 1,200-year-old wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) holding a bunch of grapes instead of the traditional medicine jar. This unique iconography links the temple to Katsunuma's ancient grape cultivation history — grapes have been grown in this valley since the 8th century, predating Western wine techniques by over a thousand years. The temple has become a pilgrimage site for wine industry workers who pray for good harvests.

The temple grounds feature a massive wisteria trellis (estimated 1,200 years old, matching the temple's founding) that blooms in late April, creating a purple canopy over the entire courtyard. Autumn brings equally spectacular foliage — the temple's Japanese maple trees (over 100 specimens) turn crimson in mid-November, and the temple operates a small café serving grape juice and grape-based sweets during the grape harvest season (September–October).

Informations essentielles

Horaires d'ouverture

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Fermé: Open year-round

Tarif d'entrée

¥500 (includes main hall and treasure hall)

Meilleure saison

Late April–early May for wisteria bloom (200 sq meter canopy); mid-November for autumn maple foliage; September–October for grape harvest café

Durée de visite

1 hour for main hall, wisteria trellis, and grounds; extend to 2 hours combined with nearby winery visits

Comment s'y rendre

Informations d'accès

Daizenji Taisekiji Temple: 2438 Katsunuma-cho Katsunuma, Koshu City. Near Katsunuma-Budokyo Station (JR Chuo Line). Entry: ¥500 (includes main hall and treasure hall). Wisteria bloom: late April. Autumn foliage: mid-November. Visit duration: 1 hour.

Guide d'initié

**Medicine Buddha with grapes:** The temple's main hall houses the 1,200-year-old wooden Buddha statue holding grapes — the only such representation in Japan. The statue is displayed behind glass and designated an Important Cultural Property. The connection between Buddhism and viticulture is unique to this region — farmers traditionally prayed to this Buddha for grape harvest success. Photography inside the hall is prohibited. **Wisteria bloom season:** The ancient wisteria trellis covers approximately 200 square meters of the temple courtyard. Peak bloom occurs late April to early May (approximately April 25–May 5). The purple clusters hang 50–100cm long, creating a canopy that filters sunlight into purple-tinted light. The fragrance is intense — the entire temple grounds smell of wisteria during bloom. Arrive at opening (9:00) on weekdays for minimal crowds. **Autumn foliage:** The temple's 100+ Japanese maple trees create a red ceiling over the grounds in mid-November. The color contrasts with the temple's white walls and dark wooden architecture. The temple operates a temporary café (November only) serving grape soft-serve ice cream (¥500) and Koshu wine by the glass (¥600–800) from local wineries. The café seating overlooks the maple-covered garden. **Grape harvest timing:** Visit during grape harvest (September–October) to combine the temple with nearby vineyard visits. Several wineries within walking distance (Marufuji Winery, Kurambon Wine) offer tastings. The temple's treasure hall displays ancient grape-pressing equipment and historical documents describing Katsunuma's 1,200-year viticulture history.

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