A temple in Japan is dedicated to grapes and wine. Yes, you read that right; there exists a temple in the world where people pray to grapes and wine. Situated in the beautiful Yamanashi region of Japan, Daizen-ji Temple is some 100 km from Tokyo. The region is also one of the top wine-making destinations in Japan and people offer only wine which is unique in Japan at this temple.
What does the legend say?
According to Tesshu Inoue, the head monk, the temple is built on the spot where a famous Japanese Buddhist monk and traveller, named Gyoki, met the
Medicine Buddha (Yakushi Nyorai in Japanese), in a dream in 718 AD
. Medicine Buddha is believed to be a doctor who cures suffering using the medicine of his teachings.
In his dream, the monk saw
Medicine Buddha holding a bunch of grapes, which is the prime inspiration behind the foundation of this temple. Also, Yamanashi people are experts in using wine for medicinal purposes.
About Daizen-ji
Daizen-ji is also known as the Grape Temple locally. It is said that grape cultivation in Japan started here in the 8th century, sometime around the time when the temple was built. The complex is set on a vineyard-covered hillside, which looks absolutely surreal. You can see grapes nearly everywhere here!
The main hall of the temple is stunning and dates back to the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). At the temple’s altar, grapes and wine bottles sit as offerings. There’s a small shrine and an idol of Yakushi Nyorai, holding a bunch of grapes in his hand. The sculpture, which is decorated in gold, is considered precious and revered and is shown in public every five years.
Travellers and devotees visiting the temple mostly buy temple-grown grapes and wine bottles, bearing the temple’s name.
Accommodation
Another best part of the temple is that one can also stay here. There’s a family-run accommodation, where a hearty breakfast and dinner is also served. Not only this, guests can also try the wine made by the head monk.
