Daizenji Temple

Daizenji (‘å‘PŽ›) is a temple in Katsunuma near Kofu. It is known colloquially as the "grape temple" because grape cultivation purportedly started here in the 8th century around the time when the temple was established. Within the grounds are a multitude of impressive artifacts including its beautiful main hall. The complex is nestled on a vineyard-covered hillside overlooking the Kofu Plain.

The main hall dates back to the Kamakura Period (1192-1333) and is a designated national treasure. It stands at the top of a long flight of stairs. The Buddhist monk Gyoki is said to have established the temple after being met by the Yakushi Buddha holding a cluster of grapes. Inside the main hall stands a statue of the grape-bearing Buddha, although this is a copy of the original which is kept out of public view.

The Buddha is enshrined in an altar that was presented to the temple centuries ago as a gift from the powerful Takeda clan that ruled this area for generations. Flanking the altar are twelve heavenly general statues guarding the Buddha that also date back to the Kamakura Period.

At the bottom of the long flight of stairs in the temple's lower grounds, visitors can enter one of the precinct buildings to view a nice Japanese garden behind the building. In the lower grounds also stand the temple's large Sanmon Gate which dates back to the 18th century and a garden in which grapes are grown.