The Grape Temple: A Great Journey of Grapes

The Daizenji Temple

 (Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture)

 At the edge of Katsunuma town in Yamanashi Prefecture, there is a temple that has a fascinating nickname, Grape Temple, and a deep connection to the native variety of Japanese grape. The name comes from the statue of the Medicine Buddha that stands in the main hall of the temple, which has a peculiar feature: he is holding a bunch of grapes in his left hand. Why does the Buddha have grapes? The answer lies in a legend that dates back to the 8th century. 

According to legend, the temple was founded in 718 AD by a famous monk named Gyoki, who traveled across Japan to spread Buddhism and help the people. When he visited the village, he had a revelatory dream of the Medicine Buddha, who is believed to remove sickness and suffering, appearing with grapes. After he woke up and carved that figure in wood and enshrined it, he discovered grape vines. He cultivated them as medicinal herbs and spread them to the villagers. 

The grapes grown in this area are called “Koshu”, and they are a native variety of Japan. Their ancestry was complex and mysterious, until a DNA analysis by the National Research Institute of Brewing revealed that Koshu grapes belong to a different lineage than most European grapes, and have a unique genetic profile. They are a hybrid of European grapes that originated from the Caucasus region and Asian wild grapes. Ancient Chinese records indicated that grapes were brought to China through the Silk Road crossing the barren mountains and deserts around 137 BC. It eventually arrived in Japan after a long journey.

Wine made from Koshu grapes in this area is recognized as one of the finest and most elegant wines in the world. Koshu wine evolved to suit the Japanese cuisine. The temple also produces its own wine every year using the grapes that the master monk with his neighbors cultivated with great care in the temple grounds. You can refresh yourself with a glass of wine while feeling the ancient journeys of people through the Silk Road, overlooking a beautiful Japanese-style garden in the temple.

The Medicine Buddha statue in the temple is a secret statue that is not open to the public. The temple only reveals it every five years for a special occasion. The last time it was displayed in October 2023, and the next time it will be displayed in 2028. The main building of the temple is designated as a National Treasure.

* Taking photographs of the hidden statue is prohibited. Please see the statue on the temple official website.