Daikanji

AdmissionFree
Contact011-3823-5067
NotesBuddhist temple, no parking
Location /
Getting There
Located in central Hakodate. It is a 6 minute walk south east from from Matsukaze-cho tram station. It's also a 3 minute walk from Omori beach.
20-5 Omoricho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0034

Daikanji is one of the many Buddhist temples that can be found throughout Hokkaido, Japan. This unassuming temple is also the residence of the monks here. The temple is easy to miss as it is on a residential street, and has the appearance of a large house. Once through the main gate, there is a small courtyard off of the main entrance. The small Jizo Statues are here draped in red cloth. Japanese people believe that red is the color to defend against evil and this has not changed since ancient times. 

 

Due to babies also being vulnerable at a young age, parents dress them in red to keep them protected from danger and illness. This small temple is most easily accessed by car. There is no real parking here, though there is parking near the ocean which is only two blocks away, and not a far walk away. There are a couple of other temples in the area, so for those who have an interest in the Buddhist shrines, take a wander around plus enjoying the beachside.