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Ryuchizan Matsuo Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県伊勢市楠部町松尾山156-6
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 12 years, in a Year of the Horse)
NobilityMysteryStillness
The principal image of Matsuo Kannonji Temple is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. According to temple tradition, Gyoki founded the temple on Mount Matsuo in 712 while visiting Ise Jingu and carved the Kannon image himself. A medieval legend tells that two dragon deities protected the principal image when the Main Hall burned, and the Kannon has long been revered for protection from misfortune. The present Main Hall dates to 1820. The principal image is normally hidden and is unveiled once every 12 years in a Year of the Horse; most recently, the three principal images were specially shown from May 3 to 5, 2026.
Kokizan Jofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Five Great Wisdom Kings Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
三重県伊賀市古郡559
Visiting Status Hidden images (unveiled three times a year: January 1–3, April 3, and August 18)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The principal images of Jofukuji Temple are a group of five wooden Great Wisdom Kings: a seated Fudo Myoo at the center, together with Gosanze Myoo, Gundari Myoo, Kongo Yasha Myoo, and Daiitoku Myoo. All are thought to date to the first half of the 11th century in the late Heian period. Carved from single pieces of hinoki cypress and painted, the figures measure roughly 150 to 179 cm in height and display fierce expressions while holding weapons as guardians of the four directions. They are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan as the only complete set of five Great Wisdom Kings in Mie Prefecture dating back to the Heian period. Normally hidden, they are unveiled three times a year: January 1–3, April 3, and August 18.
Tentakuzan Ryokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Amida Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県鈴鹿市神戸2丁目20-8
Visiting Status Shown once a year during the three-day Nejaka Festival in March
NobilityRefinementStillness
This bronze standing Amida Tathagata is preserved at Ryokoji Temple. Made as the central image of a Zenkoji-style Amida triad, it is about 1.3 m high, dates to around the end of the Kamakura period, and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture. Ryokoji, a Rinzai Zen temple of the Tofukuji school founded in 1423, displays the statue as a temple treasure during the three-day Kanbe Nejaka Festival held around March 15 each year. In 2026, the festival was held from March 14 to 16, when the image could be viewed together with the temple’s Nirvana painting and other treasures.
Enjuzan Jizoin Henshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県亀山市西町524
Visiting Status Viewable in the Main Hall (9:00–17:00; access may be unavailable during services)
RefinementNobilityStillness
The principal image of Henshoji Temple is a wooden standing Amida Tathagata. The 99.1 cm figure is carved from hinoki cypress using the warihagi technique and forms the raigo mudra. Its drapery reflects the late style of Kaikei, and similarities to an Amida image by Gyokai suggest a date in the last quarter of the 13th century, in the mid-Kamakura period. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture, it is enshrined in the Main Hall with attendant Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas. The Main Hall incorporates part of the former Kameyama Castle Ninomaru Palace. Viewing is from 9:00 to 17:00, although entry to the hall may not be possible during Buddhist services.
Hoshozan Shinjuin Shoinji Temple
Buddhist Image Kokuzo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県伊賀市山出1658
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year during the Kokuzo Bodhisattva Grand Ceremonies on January 13 and September 13)
NobilityMysteryStillness
The principal image of Shoinji Temple is a wooden seated Kokuzo Bodhisattva affectionately known as the “Kokuzo of Yamade.” As a cultural property, it is dated to the mid-Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. According to temple tradition, in 806 Kukai, newly returned from Tang China, practiced the Kokuzo Gumonji method here and carved the principal image himself. The figure forms a mudra with the right hand and presents a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left, and is also revered as the principal image for the traditional Jusan-mairi rite of prayer for wisdom and good fortune. Normally hidden, it is unveiled every year at the Kokuzo Bodhisattva Grand Ceremonies on January 13 and September 13, when the public may view it.
Odaka Kannon (Inner Sanctuary of Jigenji Temple)
Buddhist Image Juichimen Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県三重郡菰野町杉谷
Visiting Status Shown once a year on a weekend in early April (in 2026, April 11–12, 9:00–15:00)
MysteryWarmthStillness
A wooden standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva is enshrined in the hexagonal hall of Odaka Kannon. About 1.7 meters tall, the image is traditionally attributed to Prince Shotoku. Formerly known as Odakasan Injoji, the site was the former 25th temple of the Ise Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage and is now maintained as the inner sanctuary of Jigenji Temple in Sugitani. The present hexagonal hall was built in 1815. The Kannon is also popularly revered for matchmaking and is unveiled once a year on a weekend in early April. In 2026, it was shown from 9:00 to 15:00 on April 11 and 12.
Bahozan Renkoin Hatsumadera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県津市栄町3-210
Visiting Status Shown once a year on the First Horse Day in March
DignityRefinementSolemnity
This wooden seated Dainichi Tathagata is preserved at Hatsumadera Temple. The 89.4 cm image is carved from a single piece of wood and dates to around 900 in the early Heian period. It represents Dainichi of the Diamond Realm, forming the Chiken-in mudra, and is noted for its well-balanced form. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The statue was damaged in the Tsu air raid of 1945 and repaired in 1951 at the national-treasure restoration workshop at Sanjusangendo in Kyoto, but its halo remains lost. According to the temple, it is unveiled on the First Horse Day in March together with the principal Bato Kannon and the seated Amida Tathagata.
Bahozan Renkoin Hatsumadera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県津市栄町3-210
Visiting Status Shown once a year on the First Horse Day in March
GentlenessPeacefulnessStillness
This wooden seated Amida Tathagata is preserved at Hatsumadera Temple. The 84.6 cm image is made in joined-block construction and dates to around 1100 in the late Heian period. It forms the raigo mudra known as Jobon Gesho-in and has gently sloping shoulders, slightly downcast eyes, and a serene expression. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The statue was damaged in the Tsu air raid of 1945 and repaired in 1951 at the national-treasure restoration workshop at Sanjusangendo in Kyoto, but its halo remains lost. According to the temple, it is unveiled on the First Horse Day in March together with the principal Bato Kannon and the seated Dainichi Tathagata.
Kozenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Tathagata and Two Attendant Bodhisattvas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県津市片田薬王寺町619
Visiting Status Shown once a year on the first Saturday of April; advance confirmation recommended
PowerGentlenessSolemnity
This Yakushi triad, managed by Kozenji Temple, consists of a seated Yakushi Tathagata flanked by standing Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas. All three are carved from single blocks of wood and are thought to date to the 10th century. The central image is 95 cm tall, with a rounded head, broad shoulders, thick chest and full knees that create a powerful sense of volume, while the face remains calm. Regarded as the oldest surviving Buddhist triad in Mie Prefecture, the group is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is said to have been the principal image of the former Yakuoji Temple and is now enshrined in the Yakushido repository on the hill believed to be the former temple site. It is shown only on the first Saturday of April each year, and Mie’s official tourism site recommends confirming availability in advance.
Jofukuji Temple (Bessho Kannon)
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市白山町八対野1819
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year on August 9)
PowerMysterySolemnity
The principal image of Jofukuji Temple is a wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva affectionately known locally as “Bessho Kannon.” The 55.6 cm figure is carved from a single piece of hinoki cypress without inner hollowing and was originally finished with lacquer and gold leaf. It has 42 arms and is adorned with a metal crown, chest ornaments, and jeweled garlands. Dating to the 9th century in the early Heian period, the small image nevertheless displays powerful sculptural form. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is now enshrined in a repository behind the Main Hall. Normally hidden, it is unveiled every year on August 9.
Mudosan Daishoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
三重県四日市市日永2丁目11-7
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year on January 28 and August 28)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The principal image of Daishoin Temple is a wooden standing Fudo Myoo. The statue is 95.0 cm high, has carved eyes, and is thought to date to the latter half of the 12th century in the late Heian period. It stands in a wrathful pose, holding a sword in the right hand and a noose in the left. The statue was originally painted over a white ground, but most of the coloring has now flaked away. Its small facial features and gently modeled body are noted for conveying dignity rather than sheer fear. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is normally hidden and is unveiled every year on January 28 and August 28.
Hashiriizan Kangakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県桑名市矢田266
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled every year on August 9 and 10)
GentlenessNobilitySolemnity
The principal image of Kangakuji Temple is a wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva. Dating to the late Heian period, the wooden figure stands about 1.6 meters tall and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture. Kangakuji’s Main Hall was rebuilt on the former site of Yada Castle by Matsudaira Sadashige, lord of Kuwana, and the temple remains a focus of local devotion. The principal image is normally hidden and is unveiled every year on August 9 and 10 for the Toka Kannon observance, when visitors can worship it at close range.
Jionji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県亀山市野村3丁目18-1
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (contact Kameyama City's Machinami Cultural Properties Office at least one week in advance)
PowerDignityDepth
The principal image of Jionji Temple is a wooden standing Amida Tathagata. The 163 cm figure is carved from a single block of hinoki cypress, with carved eyes and a lacquer-and-gold-leaf finish. Its thickly modeled chest, abdomen, and thighs and slightly arched upright stance make it a powerful representative example of early Heian sculpture from the beginning of the 9th century. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The image is thought originally to have been the Yakushi Tathagata principal image of Oshiyama Jinguji Temple, with the hands later repaired and altered to form an Amida mudra. Visitors wishing to view it must contact Kameyama City's Machinami Cultural Properties Office at least one week in advance.
Kanbodaiji Temple (Shogatsudo Hall)
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県伊賀市島ヶ原1349
Visiting Status Special public viewing: October 9–13, 2026 (normally a hidden image unveiled once every 33 years)
MysteryRefinementSolemnity
The principal image of Kanbodaiji Temple, also known as Shogatsudo, is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The 177 cm figure is carved from a single block of kaya wood and unusually has six arms for an Eleven-Faced Kannon. Its hands hold attributes including a lotus, water vessel, rosary, three-pronged spear, and jeweled staff, while its full-bodied form, mysterious expression, and refined solemn appearance are distinctive. Thought to date to the late Heian period while retaining features of an earlier style, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Normally a hidden image unveiled only once every 33 years, it will be specially unveiled from October 9 to 13, 2026, after returning from an exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum.
Jigenzan Wagu Kannondo Hall
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県志摩市志摩町和具2985-7
Visiting Status Unveiled on the first Sunday of every month, 10:00 a.m.–noon (subject to change)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The principal image of Wagu Kannondo Hall is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The 173 cm figure is carved from a single block of hinoki cypress and has a weighty, powerful form with thick arms and a solid lower body. Handed down from the Heian period, it is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture. Wagu Kannondo preserves a notable group of Buddhist images from the Heian period, with this statue at the center of local devotion. The Buddhist images are unveiled from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the first Sunday of every month, although the temple notes that the schedule may change.
Jigenzan Wagu Kannondo Hall
Buddhist Image Bronze Seated Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県志摩市志摩町和具2985-7
Visiting Status Unveiled on the first Sunday of every month, 10:00 a.m.–noon (subject to change)
DignityNobilityDepth
This bronze seated Tathagata is preserved at Wagu Kannondo Hall. The small 16.8 cm figure dates to around the 10th century in the Heian period. It sits cross-legged with the left hand resting on the knee, palm upward, and despite its small scale has a full, commanding sculptural presence. Few gilt-bronze Buddhist images survive from the early Heian period, and this statue is known as one of the representative examples and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Damage from an earlier fire left the right arm missing from the elbow down and removed much of the surface gilding. The Buddhist images are unveiled from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the first Sunday of every month, although the schedule may change.
Fudarakusan Chokugan-in Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Nyoirin Kannon (Shisoku Hachicho Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県四日市市大字六呂見1068
Visiting Status Main Hall open for worship during visiting hours (8:00–17:00)
MysteryRefinementNobility
This wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon is enshrined at Kannonji Temple. Dating to the late Heian period and measuring about 30 cm in height, the six-armed Kannon sits on the back of a sacred bird with four legs and eight heads, an exceptionally rare form that has earned it the name “Shisoku Hachicho Kannon.” An inscription inside the statue dates it to 1145, making it an important dated example of Heian-period Nyoirin Kannon sculpture in Mie. Its calm downcast eyes and refined carving are especially notable, and it is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture.
Choonji Temple
Buddhist Image Three Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bodhisattvas Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県鳥羽市答志町985
Visiting Status Viewable in the Kannon Hall (three Sho Kannon statues from the Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi periods)
GentlenessNobilityDepth
Three wooden standing Sho Kannon Bodhisattvas are enshrined in the Kannon Hall at Choonji Temple on Toshi Island. Official Ise-Shima tourism information highlights the temple as a rare place where Buddhist statues from the Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi periods can be seen together. One of the three, dating to the Heian period, is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Toba City; it preserves much of its original form and is noted for its gentle expression and drapery retaining archaic stylistic features. Together, the three statues offer a distinctive opportunity to encounter Buddhist sculpture spanning three eras within the island's living religious tradition.
Iozan Yozoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Tathagata (Mizu-no-Ue Yakushi) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県伊勢市宮後3丁目7-7
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on August 8; confirm viewing hours with the temple)
PeacefulnessTense PresenceDepth
This wooden seated Yakushi Tathagata is enshrined as the principal image of the Yakushi Hall at Yozoji Temple. Known as “Mizu-no-Ue Yakushi,” it has been deeply venerated locally since the early Edo period. The 87.9 cm statue dates from the late 11th to early 12th century, in the late Heian period, with the main head-and-body section carved from a single piece of hinoki cypress. Its gentle expression follows the Jocho style, while strongly arched brows, undulating upper eyelids, and an archaic treatment of the hair create a tense presence. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture and may date back to the 11th century. Recent public-viewing records show it is unveiled each year on August 8.
Ryozenji Kannon Hall (within Kushakuji Temple grounds)
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県多気郡多気町三疋田97
Visiting Status Regular public-viewing dates are announced (Feb. 17, Mar. 15, Apr. 8, and Oct. 10; advance confirmation recommended)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
This is the statue placed on the right among the two standing Eleven-Faced Kannon images enshrined in the inner sanctuary of Ryozenji Kannon Hall. The 167.5 cm figure is carved from a single piece of hinoki cypress and is dated to the 10th century, in the late Heian period. Its drapery and low, weighty proportions retain elements of earlier Heian sculpture, while the face conveys gentleness rather than force, especially through its outstanding serene smile. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture as an important example in the development of the Japanese-style sculptural tradition. Local guidance lists four annual unveiling dates, so checking in advance is recommended.