Guide
Daitaku-in is a historic Soto Zen temple founded in 1605, located just a few minutes' walk from the Shirakabe Dozo District in Kurayoshi, Tottori Prefecture. The temple is deeply connected to the history of Satomi Awanokami Tadayoshi, the figure believed to be the inspiration for the famous Japanese legend "Nanso Satomi Hakkenden." The grounds are home to the gravestone of Tadayoshi, surrounded by the graves of his eight loyal subordinates. To celebrate this connection, various dog statues—symbolizing the characters in the legend—are placed throughout the temple grounds, creating a unique atmosphere.
The history of Daitaku-in dates back to the early Edo period in 1605. A significant treasure held here is the "Sansai Ryoka Kokka Monban," a designated cultural property of Tottori Prefecture. This artifact is said to have been donated by Satomi Awanokami Tadayoshi, the last lord of Tateyama Castle in Chiba, during his eight-year residence in Kurayoshi. The connection to the legend is further highlighted by the fact that the posthumous names of Tadayoshi and his eight subordinates all contain the character "Ken" (meaning wise/virtuous), a detail that has been passed down through generations.
The greatest draw of Daitaku-in is the profound connection between the physical monuments and the legendary landscape. The gravestone of Satomi Awanokami Tadayoshi and the graves of his eight followers serve as silent witnesses to history. Visitors can also enjoy seeing the various dog statues that bring the characters of the legend to life. Because it is situated right next to the Shirakabe Dozo District, you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional temple alongside the beautiful streets of merchant houses from the Edo to Meiji periods.
Daitaku-in is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visiting during the bright daylight hours allows you to clearly see the intricate details of the historical gravestones and the charming dog statues. We recommend combining your visit with a stroll through the nearby Shirakabe Dozo District to enjoy a full day of exploring the historical atmosphere of the Edo period.
At Daitaku-in, you can immerse yourself in Japanese history and folklore through a quiet stroll through the temple grounds. For fans of the "Nanso Satomi Hakkenden" legend, it offers a rare opportunity to trace the footsteps of the historical figure. Additionally, if you visit during the "Kurayoshi Satomi Era Procession" held on the first Sunday of September, you can witness the temple as part of a historic parade route that passes through the local area, offering a deep look into regional traditions.
The temple is located right next to the Shirakabe Dozo District, one of Tottori's most iconic tourist spots. This area features white-walled storehouses from the Edo and Meiji eras, many of which have been repurposed into charming cafes and souvenir shops. Nearby, you can also visit Uchibuki Park to enjoy seasonal scenery, or walk along the Uchibuki River, which adds a scenic touch to your historical tour of the area.
When visiting the temple, please observe traditional Japanese etiquette. As this is a place of worship and quiet reflection, please keep conversations low and respect the peaceful environment. Since much of the surrounding area (including the Shirakabe Dozo District and Uchibuki Park) involves walking, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please note that the temple grounds may have uneven surfaces or stone paths.