Daiun-ji (Yakusha-ji)

Daiunji, known as the "Actors Temple" (Yakusha-dera), is a Jodo-shu temple located in Nishimizue, Edogawa Ward, Tokyo. According to tradition, it was founded in 1607 (Keicho 12) by the monk Sonrenshazuiyo Shonin. Originally located in Kayabacho, Chuo Ward, the temple lost its main hall in the Great Fire of Meireki (1657) and was relocated to its current site in the Enpo era (1673-1681). The temple became widely known as the "Actors Temple" as numerous Kabuki actors and theater performers designated it as their family temple during the height of Kabuki in the Edo period, and many of their graves are found here. The graves of Kabuki actors are designated as a historical site by Edogawa Ward.