Daizenji Temple Guide The area surrounding Daizenji Temple is blanketed with grape vineyards, and the distant mountains offer a picturesque view that changes with the seasons, captivating the eyes of all who behold it throughout the year. Legend has it that Daizenji Temple was founded in 718 by Gyoki, who later became a renowned Buddhist monk representing Japan. After two fires, the current Yakushi Hall was completed in 1286 and is now designated as a national treasure. Housed within is an extremely rare statue of Yakushi Nyorai, holding grapes in his left hand. This statue, known as the "Grape Buddha," is a nationally important cultural property and is only revealed to the public every five years as a hidden treasure. Daizenji Temple, affectionately called the "Grape Temple," is beloved by many.