Daruma-ji Temple is a temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in Oji Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kataokayama. The temple enshrines statues of Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion; Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism; and Prince Shotoku, one of the most influential figures in early Japanese Buddhism.
With a long history shaped by legends, religious devotion, and valuable cultural properties, Daruma-ji is particularly famous for the tale known as the Legend of the Starving Man at Kataokayama. The story connects the temple with Prince Shotoku and Bodhidharma, making it an important place of historical and spiritual significance in the region.
According to tradition, the origins of Daruma-ji date back to the winter of 613, during the reign of Empress Suiko. One day, Prince Shotoku was traveling through Kataokayama when he encountered a mysterious stranger suffering from hunger. The prince took pity on the man and gave him clothing and food.
Later, Prince Shotoku learned that the stranger had died and arranged for him to be buried respectfully. When the prince subsequently visited the grave, he found that the body had disappeared, while the clothing he had given the man had been neatly folded in its place.
People came to believe that the mysterious stranger had been an incarnation of Bodhidharma, the revered Buddhist patriarch. According to the legend, Daruma-ji was established to honor his spirit. This story remains central to the temple’s identity and links its religious traditions with the history of Prince Shotoku.
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the monk Gedatsu Shonin Jokei helped establish the temple as a formal Buddhist institution. During the Kenkyu era (1190–1198), the statue of Bodhidharma and the temple buildings underwent repairs.
The temple suffered a serious setback during the Karoku era (1225–1228), when it was reportedly attacked and burned by monks associated with Kofuku-ji Temple. It was subsequently revived during the En’o era (1239–1240) by the monk Shogetsu Shonin of Matsuo.
During the Eikyo era (1429–1441), Zen master Nanpo of Kennin-ji Temple became the temple’s head priest and helped restore its fortunes. Support from influential figures, including Yamana Tokihiro, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and Ashikaga Yoshinori, contributed to its renewed prosperity.
During the Eiroku era (1558–1570), Daruma-ji was again burned, this time in an attack attributed to the warlord Matsunaga Hisahide. The temple was subsequently restored with support that included an imperial decree from Emperor Ogimachi and assistance from Toyotomi Hideyori.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), Tokugawa Ieyasu confirmed the temple’s land grant of 30 koku, providing a stable economic foundation. In 1928, Prince Kuniyoshi Kuni visited the temple, reflecting its continued historical and religious importance into the modern era.
A new main hall was constructed in 2004, and the temple continues to preserve its long-standing traditions today.
The present main hall was built in 2004. It serves as the principal place of worship and houses the temple’s revered Buddhist images, including those associated with the traditions of Bodhidharma and Prince Shotoku.
The bell tower was rebuilt in 1891. Like many traditional Japanese temple bell towers, it forms part of the temple’s historic atmosphere and reflects its continuing role as a place of Buddhist worship.
The hojo, or abbot’s quarters, was built in 1667 and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture. Its architecture is particularly distinctive: the western side has an irimoya-style roof, combining gabled and hipped elements, while the eastern side has a simpler gable roof. This unusual arrangement makes the building an interesting example of traditional Japanese religious architecture.
The southern gate, known as the sanmon, serves as the main entrance to the temple grounds. Passing through the gate offers visitors a traditional approach to this historic Buddhist sanctuary.
Located within the temple grounds, Daruma-ji Kofun No. 1 is a burial mound dating to around the 6th century. Local tradition identifies it as the tomb of Yukimaru, the beloved dog of Prince Shotoku. The story of Yukimaru has become an enduring part of Oji Town’s cultural identity.
Two additional burial mounds, Daruma-ji Kofun Nos. 2 and 3, also date to around the 6th century. The third mound lies beneath the foundation of the main hall. Their presence shows that the site has a history extending back to the Kofun period, long before its development as a Buddhist temple.
Hanging Scroll of the Nirvana Scene: A painted silk scroll depicting the Buddha’s final moments, a significant subject in Buddhist art that symbolizes the Buddha’s passing into nirvana.
Seated Wooden Statue of Prince Shotoku: This statue dates to 1277 and is an important representation of the prince, who played a major role in the development of Buddhism in Japan.
Seated Wooden Statue of Bodhidharma: Created in 1430, this statue depicts the patriarch traditionally credited with transmitting Zen Buddhism. Its coloring was undertaken by the artist Shubun.
Stone Pillar Commemorating the Revival of Daruma-ji: Erected in 1448, this stone monument records the temple’s revival. Its associated designated objects include a stone monument, a celadon incense burner, and two large storage jars.
Hojo Abbot’s Quarters: The 1667 building is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture for its distinctive architectural features and historical value.
Stone Pagoda and Reliquary Discovered at Daruma-ji: These objects date to the Kamakura period and provide evidence of the temple’s medieval Buddhist practices.
From Oji Station on the JR Yamatoji Line, take a Nara Kotsu bus and get off at the Harai stop.
From Kashiba Interchange on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway, travel via National Route 168. Free parking is available for temple visitors.
Daruma-ji Temple is a remarkable destination where the legends of Prince Shotoku and Bodhidharma remain closely connected to the history of Japanese Buddhism. Its centuries-old buildings, ancient burial mounds, and collection of important cultural properties offer plenty to interest visitors fascinated by Japanese history, religion, and traditional architecture.
The story of Yukimaru, the beloved dog associated with Prince Shotoku, adds a charming local dimension to the temple’s heritage. A visit to Daruma-ji offers an opportunity to explore the spiritual traditions of Oji Town while discovering the legends and historical remains that have been preserved here for generations.