ABOUT
About this spot
Saidaiji is the head temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect, located in Nara. It is traditionally said to have begun in 765, when Empress Koken (later Shotoku) had gilt bronze statues of the Four Heavenly Kings made after the Emi no Oshikatsu rebellion. It became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. The temple declined in the Heian period, then was revived in the Kamakura period by the monk Eison, who died in 1290 at the age of 90. Fires in 1499 and 1502 caused heavy damage, so most of today's buildings date from the Edo period. The Main Hall, rebuilt around 1798 to 1808, is an Important Cultural Property and enshrines a standing Shaka Nyorai. The Aizen-do holds a seated statue of Eison, a National Treasure. In front of the Main Hall, the base of the East Pagoda, lost in a fire in 1502, and its foundation stones still remain. The famous Ochamori ceremony began in 1239, when Eison shared tea with local people. A huge bowl, more than 30 cm wide, is passed around. It is held in spring (April), autumn (October) and, as a New Year event, on January 15. Allow about one hour for a visit.
Last updated October 23, 2026