At Daizenji, a Buddhist temple in Japan’s wooded Mt.Fuji, 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Tokyo, grapes and wine are offered as offerings. Its head monk is also the honorary president of a vineyard cooperative.
Officially, this Buddhist temple is called Daisenji, but it is nicknamed the “Grape Temple” because of its deep-rooted links to the country’s history of grape production. It has also become one of Japan’s best wineries.
In other Buddhist temples, various items are offered as prasad. But here, offering wine as an offering is a unique custom, explains 75-year-old head monk Teshu Inoue.
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History:
In 718 AD, the famous Japanese Buddhist monk and traveler Kiyogi is said to have had a dream encounter with the Medicine Buddha, known in Japanese as Yakushi Nyorai, where the temple stands today. In his hand, Neorai held a bunch of grapes. It is said that it was from this that Kiyogi learned how to prepare alcohol for medicinal purposes.
DNA analysis revealed that the ancient mountain grape — a vine first cultivated in Europe — was a hybrid of wild Chinese vine. It is believed that this grape blend reached Japan via the Silk Road for trade, the same way Buddhism established itself in Asia.
On the other hand, it is said that seeds or vines from China may have been planted in the grounds of the temples. It is said that it was during the Meiji era from 1868 to 1912 that interest in the Western world exploded and wine production began in Japan.
The area’s rich soil and long history of grape growing may have made Yamanashi an obvious choice for the first vineyards. Even today, Daisenji Temple is surrounded by vines grown in pergola structures.
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In this small shrine in Japan, Yakushi Nyorai’s famous statue with bunches of grapes is made of ancient cherry-wood. The sacrificial altar in front of it is always filled with grape vines.
Besides, the lacquer sculpture decorated with gold leaves is a precious artefact belonging to the temple. It is exhibited to the public only once in five years. Daisenji Temple sells its own grapes and bottles of wine bearing the temple’s name.
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