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Dainichi-bo main hall — sohonji of Yudonosan, founded 807 by Kobo DaishiDainichi-bo precinctsDainichi-bo altar and Buddha statuesDainichi-bo seasonal landscape
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Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo

湯殿山総本寺 瀧水寺金剛院 大日坊

The Shingon head temple of Yudonosan, founded by Kukai in 807, enshrining the Shinnyokai Shonin sokushinbutsu (living Buddha) and a National ICP Shaka Nyorai.

Staff speaks日本語
SectShingon (真言宗)
Goma fire ceremony
Cultural property
from$75 /per night
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Features

Vegetarian Meals

Highlights

Founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 807

Dainichi-bo, the Yudonosan Sohonji (head temple), was opened by Kobo Daishi in 807 as Kyoo Yuga-ji and renamed Ryusuiji Kongo-in. It is one of the four ancient Yudonosan Shingon temples that defended the mountain through the Edo period.

Sokushinbutsu — the Living Buddha Shinnyokai Shonin

The temple enshrines the sokushinbutsu (self-mummified Buddha) of Shinnyokai Shonin, who entered nyujo (final meditation) in 1786 at age 96 after years of strict mokujiki (tree-bark) ascetic practice. Worshippers can pay respects directly.

Tokugawa Shogunate Prayer Temple

Designated the official prayer temple of the Tokugawa shogunal family under Iemitsu, Dainichi-bo also holds the National Important Cultural Property "Shaka Nyorai (Kongo-butsu)" and Kobo Daishi's self-carved principal image.

About

Yudonosan Sohonji Ryusuiji Kongo-in Dainichi-bo (commonly Dainichi-bo) is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Buzan-ha branch, founded in 807 by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) at the foot of Mt. Yudono in present-day Onami, Tsuruoka. Originally called Kyoo Yuga-ji and later Ryusuiji Kongo-in, the temple is one of the four ancient Yudonosan temples that successfully defended the mountain's Shingon faith and pilgrimage from political pressures across the Edo period, and was designated the official Tokugawa shogunal prayer temple under Iemitsu. Three treasures define a visit. First, the principal image is a Dainichi Nyorai carved by Kobo Daishi himself. Second, the temple holds the National Important Cultural Property "Shaka Nyorai (Kongo-butsu)". Third, and most famously, Dainichi-bo enshrines and openly displays the sokushinbutsu — the self-mummified Buddha — of Shinnyokai Shonin, a Yudonosan ascetic who in 1786 entered nyujo (the final meditation leading to self-mummification) at age 96, after years of mokujiki "tree-bark fasting" practice that drained his body of fat and water until corruption-free preservation became possible. Worshippers can today pay respects directly to his preserved figure. Dainichi-bo also operates as a shukubo, accepting overnight pilgrims who follow a programme of morning service, goma fire prayer, and shojin ryori prepared by the temple.

Details

Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 10:00
Onami Bus Stop (Yamagata Kotsu, from JR Tsuruoka Station) (5 min walk)
From $75 - $110/night

Frequently Asked Questions

9 questions about Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn featuring tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding, communal or private baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Guests typically wear yukata (cotton robes) provided by the inn. A ryokan stay is one of the most authentic cultural experiences Japan has to offer.

Upon arrival, you'll be provided with a yukata (light cotton robe) and a pair of slippers. You can wear the yukata throughout the ryokan — to dinner, to the onsen, and even for a stroll in the neighborhood. Indoor slippers should be removed before stepping on tatami mats.

Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo has limited English support. We recommend using a translation app or asking your hotel concierge to help with any pre-arrival communication. The staff is very welcoming and will do their best to assist.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. If you arrive early, most ryokans can store your luggage while you explore the area. Late check-in may be possible — contact the ryokan in advance to arrange.

Yes, Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo can prepare vegetarian meals. Japanese Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori) is naturally plant-based and beautifully presented. Please inform the ryokan of your dietary requirements at least 2 days before arrival so the chef can prepare accordingly.

Yes, most ryokans including Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo offer luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in time. You can also use coin lockers at the nearest station or luggage delivery services (takkyubin) to send bags directly from the airport or previous hotel.

Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo may have limited credit card acceptance. We recommend having Japanese yen (cash) available. ATMs at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept international cards.

The nearest station is Onami Bus Stop (Yamagata Kotsu, from JR Tsuruoka Station), approximately 5 minutes on foot. You can reach it by local train, subway, or taxi. The ryokan can provide detailed walking directions upon request.

You can book Yudonosan Sohonji Dainichi-bo through trusted platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. Click the "Check Prices" button on this page to check availability and rates. We recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March-April and autumn leaves in November).

temples.from$75 /temples.perNight