Daiji-ji

Daijiji, also known as Daiji Zenji, is an ancient temple of the Soto Zen sect located in Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, with the mountain name Dairyozan. The temple once served as the head temple for Kyushu within the Soto sect and was the base of the Kangan branch. Its founding priest, Kangan Giin, is said to have been a son of Emperor Gotoba (or Emperor Juntoku), giving the temple a close connection to the imperial court and earning permission to wear the purple robe. The temple maintains a monks training hall and has nurtured generations of Zen practitioners. Its principal object of worship is the Shaka Sanzon (Shakyamuni Trinity). Though repeated fires diminished its former glory, the temple grounds still carry the quiet spirit of Zen tradition.