Daikouzenji Temple is a temple of the Tendai Sect established by Gyoki in 717 and is so well-known for its azaleas that it is also referred to as "Tsutsuji-ji" or literally, "The Azalea Temple". The azalea field covering an area of 75,000 square meters at the back of the main temple is completely buried in a blanket of around 50,000 azaleas from mid-April to early May. Daikouzenji Temple is also famous as a spot to appreciate the beautiful autumn leaves and it receives many visitors all year round. Moreover, Daikouzenji Temple houses several culturally significant items. These include the Wooden Komokuten Statue, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Wooden Tamonten Statue, as well as the Eleven Faced Avalokitesvara and other statues of Buddhist gods carved out of wood, said to have been created by Gyoki himself. These items are only allowed to be viewed by the public once every 12 years. Another representative feature is the stone 5-tier tour dating back to the middle ages situated in the temple grounds. The azalea miso paste sold in the neighboring area is popular as a souvenir.
● Season:
Best time of azalea (mid April to beginning May and mid November to late November)
● Access:
From train station: temporary bus service available from Kiyama Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line (mid April to beginning May and mid November to late November), or 10-minute taxi ride from Kiyama Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
Car: About 20-minute drive from Kyushu Expressway and Nagasaki Expressway Tosu IC, or about 20-minute drive from Kyushu Expressway Chikushino IC
Special bus: Get on Nishitetsu Bus bound for Saga Daikouzenji stop at Kiyama Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
● Entry Fees:
500 yen for adult, 300 yen for elementary or junior-high school student (20% discount applicable to groups of 40 or more people, or 10% for groups of 20 or more)
● Opening Hours:
9:00 - 18:00
● Parking Lot:
Accommodates 750 cars
Not in the season of azalea: 100 yen
In the season of azalea: 1,000 yen for motor coaches, 500 yen for mini buses, 300 yen for passenger cars
● Contact: Daikouzenji Temple, Tel: +81-942-92-2627
● Website: http://www.daikouzenji.com/
