Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Korinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛知県碧南市棚尾本町1丁目48
Visiting Status Regular visits available (no reservation required; advance confirmation recommended for assured interior viewing)
RefinementNobilityPeacefulness
The principal image of Korinji Temple is a wooden standing Amida Nyorai. Hekinan City's official tourism site introduces the statue as a work by Kaikei and a designated municipal cultural property. The 90.8 cm figure is a joined-and-split wood sculpture with crystal eyes, finished with gold paint and lacquer-gilding, and is dated to the mid-Kamakura period in the 13th century. Its taut, refined form conveys both the realism and dignity associated with Kamakura sculpture. The official tourism guide states that no reservation is required, making this a particularly worthwhile temple in Hekinan for seeing the Buddhist image itself.
Enjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Large Seated Amida Nyorai (Joroku-scale) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛知県津島市中一色町西訳101
Visiting Status Regular visits possible (Main Hall; advance confirmation recommended for assured viewing during ceremonies or special circumstances)
SolemnityPeacefulnessWarmth
Enjoji Temple's principal image is a monumental seated Amida Nyorai of joroku scale. Tradition holds that a devotee of the eminent Edo-period priest Kantsu Shonin sacrificed his wealth to donate the image. Its immense form rises toward the ceiling, while its expression is noted for compassion and serenity. The official Jodo Shu temple directory states that many worshippers offer prayers before this principal image. The opportunity to encounter such a large Amida inside the temple's two-story main hall makes Enjoji a particularly memorable Buddhist-image destination in Tsushima.
Henjoin Temple
Buddhist Image Large Standing Amida Nyorai (Joroku Daibutsu) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
愛知県碧南市鷲林町2丁目13
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (no reservation required)
SolemnityDignityPeacefulness
In the left inner sanctuary of Henjoin Temple's main hall stands a monumental Amida Nyorai of joroku scale. Hekinan City's official tourism site describes it as the 'Joroku Daibutsu,' transferred from Reiganji Temple in Fukagawa, Edo. The standing image reaches the traditional height of one jo and six shaku and is displayed separately from the temple's principal Amida image. Visitors can encounter this enormous Amida at close range, and the official tourism guide states that no reservation is required, making it a particularly accessible monumental Buddhist image in Hekinan.
Omidoji Temple (Noma Daibo)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai with Two Attendants (Amida Triad) Category Other
愛知県知多郡美浜町野間東畠50
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Main Hall admission ¥500; open daily. 7:00–17:00 Oct–Feb, 6:00–18:00 Mar–Sep)
SolemnityNobilityPeacefulness
The main hall of Omidoji Temple enshrines an Amida triad. The central wooden seated Amida Nyorai, dating to the late Heian period, is regarded as one of Aichi Prefecture's notable examples of Jocho-style sculpture and is designated an Aichi Prefectural Cultural Property. The wooden standing Seishi and Kannon attendants also date to the late Heian period and are designated cultural properties of Mihama Town. The temple's official precinct guide identifies the triad in the main hall, while Aichi's official tourism site confirms that the hall is open year-round without regular closing days. This makes Omidoji an unusually accessible place to see a complete late-Heian-period triad in situ.
Takada Honzan Senjuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Amida Tathagata (Shoko no Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県津市一身田町2819
Visiting Status Open for free viewing during hall hours (6:00–15:30)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
The standing wooden Amida Tathagata is enshrined as the principal image of the Nyorai-do Hall and is known as “Shoko no Nyorai.” Dating to the Kamakura period, the statue is 80.5 cm tall. Its refined details include delicate kirikane patterns on the robes, Buddhist footprint motifs painted on the vermilion soles, and metal used for the fingernails and toenails. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan as a statue that strongly reflects the style of Kaikei.
Shindaibutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Rushana Buddha Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県伊賀市富永1238
Visiting Status Open for viewing (9:00–16:00; special treasure viewing ¥300)
DignityDepthSolemnity
This wooden seated Tathagata is the principal image of Shindaibutsuji Temple. It originated as the central figure of the colossal Amida triad at the Iga Betsusho founded by Chogen. The head is believed to have been carved around 1203 by Kaikei and his disciples. After the statue was damaged in the early Edo period, the Kyoto sculptor Yukei reconstructed it as a seated figure in the Kyoho era, reusing the surviving head and stone base. The statue is 293 cm high, is worshiped at the temple as Rushana Buddha, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Hojusan Daikannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Pure-Gold Kaiun Hoju Great Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市白山町佐田1957
Visiting Status Open for worship during opening hours (9:30–17:00, open year-round)
DignityMysterySolemnity
The temple's principal image is a 33-meter-tall pure-gold Great Kannon statue standing in the grounds, known as the “Pure-Gold Kaiun Hoju Great Kannon Bodhisattva.” Its scale is associated with the belief that Kannon assumes thirty-three forms to save people. Around the statue stand 108 Kannon figures, each 1.5 meters tall, symbolizing the removal of the 108 human worldly desires. The temple is open from 9:30 to 17:00 year-round; the adult admission offering is ¥800.
Enichizan Kannonji Daihoin Temple (Tsu Kannon)
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市大門32-19
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year during the Kannon-e ceremony, April 1–7)
NobilityMysteryStillness
The standing Sho Kannon is the principal image of Tsu Kannon. According to temple tradition, the temple began after the statue was caught in a fisherman's net and brought up from the sea at Akogaura in Ise Province on April 1, 709. Tsu Kannon is revered as one of Japan's Three Great Kannon temples, together with Asakusa Kannon and Osu Kannon. The principal image is normally hidden and can be viewed only during the seven-day Kannon-e ceremony from April 1 to 7 each year.
Chodenji Temple
Buddhist Image Jizo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県松阪市朝田町427
Visiting Status Regular public viewing (Temple Treasure Exhibition, April 29–May 5; Jizo ceremony, August 16–23)
DignityDepthStillness
This wooden standing Jizo Bodhisattva is the principal image of Chodenji Temple. Dating to the early Heian period, it stands 169 cm tall and is carved from a single piece of kaya wood, with the body and lotus core cut from the same timber. Its thick eyebrows, long narrow eyes, broad shoulders and full modeling give it a solemn presence. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is revered across sectarian lines in the local Michiake memorial rite for the deceased. It is shown during the Temple Treasure Exhibition from April 29 to May 5 and the Jizo ceremony from August 16 to 23.
Mirokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県名張市西田原2888
Visiting Status Open for viewing year-round (10:00–16:00; admission ¥500)
NobilityRefinementPeacefulness
This wooden standing Sho Kannon Bodhisattva, viewable in Mirokuji Temple’s Main Hall, dates to the late Heian period (Fujiwara period). The statue is 170.5 cm high. Its full face and graceful, well-rounded expression show characteristic features of late-Heian sculpture; it holds a lotus in the left hand and forms the abhaya mudra with the right. A crystal is set in the urna on the forehead. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it can be viewed year-round in the Main Hall together with the temple’s other ancient Buddhist images.
Mirokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県名張市西田原2888
Visiting Status Open for viewing year-round (10:00–16:00; admission ¥500)
NobilityMysteryRefinement
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva, viewable in Mirokuji Temple’s Main Hall, dates to the late Heian period (Fujiwara period). The statue is 174.6 cm high. Its full face displays the distinctive style of late-Heian sculpture, and eleven small heads crown the main head. The left hand holds a vase with a lotus, a later replacement, while the lowered right hand forms the abhaya mudra. The entire statue is thought to have originally been painted. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it can be viewed year-round.
Ishiyakushiji Temple
Buddhist Image Ishiyakushi Yakushi Tathagata (Stone Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県鈴鹿市石薬師町1番地
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year on December 20)
MysteryDepthStillness
The principal image of Ishiyakushiji Temple’s Main Hall is the Ishiyakushi Yakushi Tathagata, a stone Buddha carved into a sacred granite rock and designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Suzuka City. According to temple tradition, in 726 Taicho interpreted a huge stone that appeared from the earth as a manifestation of Yakushi Tathagata and enshrined it; in 796, Kobo Daishi is said to have carved an image of Yakushi Tathagata into the stone and consecrated it. As a cultural property, the image is dated to the late Heian period. The principal image is normally hidden and is unveiled every year on December 20.
Toseizan Shitennoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県津市栄町1-892
Visiting Status Open for viewing in the Main Hall (9:00–16:00; unavailable during services)
PeacefulnessDepthStillness
This wooden seated Yakushi Tathagata is enshrined in the Main Hall of Shitennoji Temple. Its creation began through the prayer of Mononobe no Misao for recovery from illness, and after her death the monk Jojin carried on her wish and completed the statue in February 1077, as recorded in documents found inside the image. It is 65 cm high and made with the ichiboku-warihagi technique, with carved eyes and lacquered gold leaf. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it survived the 1945 air raid that destroyed the Yakushi Hall. It can now be viewed in the Main Hall from 9:00 to 16:00, except during services.
Nyusan Kinchokokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県多気郡多気町長谷202
Visiting Status Regular public viewing (Sundays and the 18th of each month, 10:00–15:00; admission ¥200)
DignityNobilitySolemnity
The principal image of Kinchokokuji Temple is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva dating to the late Heian period. About 660 cm tall, it is made of joined pieces of hinoki cypress. This Hase-style Eleven-Faced Kannon stands holding a vase with a lotus in the left hand and prayer beads and a staff in the right, making it one of Japan’s largest surviving Heian-period Buddhist statues. The face was repainted during restoration in the Edo period. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it can be viewed from 10:00 to 15:00 every Sunday and on the 18th of each month.
Choonzan Taieji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県伊勢市二見町江1659
Visiting Status Normally hidden (unveiled once a year during the Tanabata Festival)
NobilityMysterySolemnity
This wooden seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva is the principal image of Taieji Temple. Believed to date to the early Kamakura period, it is made of joined pieces of kaya wood and has 42 arms. The central face above the head is particularly large, a crystal is set in the urna, and color remains on the hair, eyebrows, eyes, and lips. It is a relatively rare example of a Thousand-Armed Kannon in Mie Prefecture and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan as a representative Buddhist sculpture of the early Kamakura period. It is normally hidden and is unveiled once a year during the temple's Tanabata Festival.
Fukozan Tamiyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Pair of Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattvas (Meoto Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県度会郡玉城町田宮寺322
Visiting Status Hidden images (unveiled every year on February 18 and August 9)
NobilityMysterySolemnity
The principal images of Tamiyaji Temple are a pair of wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattvas affectionately known as the “Meoto Kannon.” Both are thought to date to the early Heian period, stand about 167 cm tall overall, and are carved from single pieces of hinoki cypress with wooden eyes. One retains painted decoration, while the other preserves lacquered gold leaf. They survived the temple's dismantling in the early Meiji period and are now enshrined in the Shoten-do Hall. Both are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are unveiled every year for the Hatsu-Kannon festival on February 18 and the Kannon ceremony on August 9.
Butsudozan Fugenji Temple
Buddhist Image Fugen Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県多気郡多気町神坂223
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (calling the temple before viewing is recommended)
DignityDepthMystery
This wooden seated Fugen Bodhisattva is the principal image of Fugenji Temple. Dating to the early Heian period, it is 92 cm high and carved from a single piece of camphor wood. Its deeply carved neck folds, imposing chest, broad shoulders, taut torso, and substantial modeling create a powerful form, while the face is noted for its mysterious expression. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan as an important example of early-Heian esoteric Buddhist sculpture, it is now housed in a dedicated repository. Visitors are advised to contact the temple by telephone in advance to confirm viewing.
Kanaizan Rinkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県鈴鹿市神戸6-7-11
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually from around 22:30 on August 9 to around 1:00 on August 10)
NobilityMysteryStillness
This wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva is the principal image of Rinkoji Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, it is 1.27 m tall and carved from a single piece of hinoki cypress. The carving is generally shallow, giving the face an elegant appearance. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the image is normally hidden and is unveiled for only about two and a half hours each year during the Toka Kannon ceremony, from around 22:30 on August 9 until around 1:00 on August 10.
Taiheizan Funanji Temple
Buddhist Image Pair of Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi Guardians Category Tenbu (Deva)
三重県鈴鹿市国府町2548
Visiting Status Viewable at the Nio Gate (temple grounds open 8:00–17:00)
PowerDignityTense Presence
A pair of wooden standing Kongo Rikishi guardians is enshrined in the Nio Gate (South Gate) of Funanji Temple. Dating to the Nanbokucho period, both figures are made of joined hinoki cypress with crystal eyes and painted decoration, and each stands 2.12 m tall. The open-mouthed Agyo figure on the left holds a vajra, while the closed-mouthed Ungyo figure on the right holds a staff. Their powerful musculature and realistic drapery are distinctive. The pair is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and guards the temple precinct from the gate.
Asamadake Kongoshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Fukuichiman Kokuzo Great Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県伊勢市朝熊町548
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 20 years, in the year following the Ise Jingu Shikinen Sengu)
DignityMysterySolemnity
The principal image of Asamadake Kongoshoji Temple is the Fukuichiman Kokuzo Great Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, in 825 Kobo Daishi Kukai established a fundamental training center for Esoteric Buddhism here and enshrined this Kokuzo Bodhisattva as the principal image. Revered as one of Japan’s Three Great Kokuzo Bodhisattvas, it is housed in the Main Hall, an Important Cultural Property of Japan rebuilt in 1609 through a donation by Ikeda Terumasa. Amaterasu Omikami is also enshrined in the hall, reflecting the temple’s syncretic tradition and its long-standing role as the “inner sanctuary” of Ise Jingu. The principal image is normally hidden and is unveiled once every 20 years, in the year following the Ise Jingu Shikinen Sengu.