
Kaidan-in Ordination Hall
A historic temple in Dazaifu, once a key ordination platform, offering serene gardens and ancient Buddhist art.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience ultimate peace

Kaidan-in Ordination Hall
Best Time
Experience ultimate peace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic temple in Dazaifu, once a key ordination platform, offering serene gardens and ancient Buddhist art.
"Quiet and unassuming and away from the crowds, this temple is rustic but is home to an unusual triad of Buddhist statues."

🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This temple is intentionally quiet and unassuming. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and don't expect bustling crowds.
📜 Self-Service Temple Seal
A temple seal is available on a desk in front of the main hall. You can collect it yourself.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Heian Period Buddhist Triad
Main Hall
Unusual and ancient triad of Buddhist statues, best viewed through the window lattice. Worth the effort to see.

Zen Rock Garden
Garden in front of Main Hall
A meticulously maintained garden creating a tranquil and zen atmosphere. Perfect for quiet contemplation.

Vairocana Buddha
Main Hall
The principal image, a large Rushana Buddha, can be admired from outside. Special arrangements can be made to learn more.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Understanding Its Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
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(Itinerary) 24 Days Japan in October / November 2023
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This temple is intentionally quiet and unassuming. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and don't expect bustling crowds.
📜 Self-Service Temple Seal
A temple seal is available on a desk in front of the main hall. You can collect it yourself.
📞 Contact for Deeper Insight
To learn more about the Vairocana Buddha, contact the chief priest. A notice is posted in front of the main hall.
📍 Adjacent to Kanzeonji
Kaidan-in is located next to Kanzeonji Temple, but is now a separate sect.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
This temple is intentionally quiet and unassuming. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and don't expect bustling crowds.
📜 Self-Service Temple Seal
A temple seal is available on a desk in front of the main hall. You can collect it yourself.
📞 Contact for Deeper Insight
To learn more about the Vairocana Buddha, contact the chief priest. A notice is posted in front of the main hall.
📍 Adjacent to Kanzeonji
Kaidan-in is located next to Kanzeonji Temple, but is now a separate sect.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kaidan-in Ordination Hall for its quiet, unassuming, and zen atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from crowds. The historic Buddhist statues and well-maintained gardens are highlights, though some note the need to view statues from a distance. It's appreciated for its historical significance as one of Japan's three major ordination platforms.
"Quiet and unassuming and away from the crowds, this temple is rustic but is home to an unusual triad of Buddhist statues from the Heian Period. You have to squint through the window lattice, but worth a visit!"
aaron meldahl
"The temple used to be part of the temple next door. Gochuin is available here, but it is self service."
Yuo
"Beautiful place quiet and zen"
Mat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kaidan-in Ordination Hall is located in Dazaifu, near Kanzeonji Temple. You can reach Dazaifu by train from Fukuoka. From Dazaifu station, it's a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride to the temple complex.
While unassuming, it's situated next to the larger Kanzeonji Temple, which can serve as a landmark. Follow signs for Kanzeonji, and Kaidan-in will be nearby.
Dazaifu is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Many attractions, including Kaidan-in and Kanzeonji, are within walking distance of each other.
While specific parking for Kaidan-in might be limited, there are usually parking areas available near Kanzeonji Temple or in the general Dazaifu area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and to view the main hall from outside is generally free. There are no specific tickets required for basic access.
The temple grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. For specific times or to arrange a guided explanation, it's best to contact the temple directly.
Visitors can usually worship the principal image from outside the main hall. Special arrangements might be possible by contacting the chief priest in advance.
The temple seal is self-service and usually available on a desk in front of the main hall. While there's no set fee, a small donation is often appreciated.
Temples generally do not have strict closing days like museums. However, it's always wise to check for any special closures or events.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography of the grounds and exterior is generally permitted. However, photography inside the main hall, especially of the statues, may be restricted. Always look for signage.
The well-maintained garden in front of the main hall offers beautiful, tranquil shots. The exterior architecture of the hall itself is also picturesque.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites to maintain peace and respect. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see the main hall housing the Vairocana Buddha, a beautiful Zen rock garden, and the historic grounds. The triad of Buddhist statues is a key highlight, though viewed from outside.
Yes, Kaidan-in is perfect for a brief, peaceful stop. You can appreciate its serene atmosphere and key features in under an hour.
Kaidan-in was one of only three places in Japan where individuals could officially receive Buddhist ordination, a crucial step in becoming a monk or nun.
Basic facilities like restrooms might be available, but don't expect extensive visitor services. There are no shops on-site; souvenirs are usually limited to temple seals.
Dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the grounds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep expectations realistic; it's a place for quiet reflection rather than active play. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are minimal. The proximity to Kanzeonji Temple means you can combine visits for a more comprehensive historical outing in Dazaifu.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Ordination Platforms
The establishment of these platforms was crucial for the institutionalization and spread of Buddhism in Japan. It ensured a standardized process for spiritual training and the development of a monastic community. While Kaidan-in experienced a decline with the changing political landscape, its legacy as a center for spiritual initiation and its connection to figures like Ganjin (Jianzhen) underscore its enduring importance.
Today, visitors can appreciate Kaidan-in not just for its serene beauty but also as a tangible link to this significant aspect of Japanese religious history. The very act of visiting this quiet temple offers a moment to reflect on the centuries of spiritual practice that have taken place on its grounds.
Experiencing the Serenity: Gardens and Statues
Within the main hall, the principal image is the Vairocana Buddha, a significant figure in Mahayana Buddhism. While direct access to the interior might be limited, the opportunity to view this impressive statue from outside is a core experience. Equally compelling, though requiring a bit of effort to see, is the unusual triad of Buddhist statues from the Heian Period. Visitors often mention needing to 'squint through the window lattice' to appreciate these ancient figures, adding a sense of discovery to the visit.
Even unexpected encounters, like a raccoon dog appearing on the sidewalk, can add a unique charm to the visit, highlighting the temple's connection to nature and its peaceful, somewhat wild, surroundings. This blend of historical reverence, artistic treasures, and natural tranquility makes Kaidan-in a truly special destination.






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