Dai'an-ji Temple

Overview

Dai'an-ji Temple, located in Sakai-ku, Sakai City, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Tofukuji school. It's renowned for its main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, constructed in the shoin style, and its lavish screen paintings by artists of the Kano school. The main hall is said to have been relocated from the mansion of the wealthy Sakai merchant, Naya Sukezaemon, and its opulent structure remains to this day. Inside, screen paintings depicting various designs such as cranes, crape myrtles, pines, and wisteria, vividly portray the prosperity of Sakai from the Momoyama to the early Edo period. Particularly famous is the "Edasoe no Matsu" (pine tree with added branches) in the pine and plum blossom painting, a story that was featured in pre-war national textbooks. Dai'an-ji Temple offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, providing a precious opportunity to immerse yourself in history and art. Beyond the screen paintings in the main hall, the temple grounds also feature a beautiful garden, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Furthermore, Dai'an-ji Temple is conveniently located near Sakaihigashi Station and the Nankai Koya Line. If you're visiting Sakai, be sure to visit Dai'an-ji Temple.