Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Shohoji Temple (Shimesasu Shoho-an)
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県度会郡度会町注連指1239
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on January 18 and September 18)
NobilityDepthStillness
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is preserved as the principal image of Shohoji Temple. About one meter tall and carved from a single piece of camphor wood, it can be dated precisely to November 27, 1112, from an ink inscription on the reverse of the halo. Remarkably, not only the main figure but also its pedestal and halo survive from the original creation, with faint traces of the former polychromy still visible. Although some of the subsidiary heads are missing, the statue retains a calm, archaic character and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is a hidden image unveiled twice a year, on January 18 and September 18.
Jigenji Soji-in Fumonji Temple
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市芸濃町林1264
Visiting Status Unveiled annually around the spring cherry-blossom festival (date varies by year; confirm in advance)
GentlenessSolemnityNobility
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is traditionally regarded as the principal image of Fumonji Temple. At about 291 cm in overall height, it is one of five major Buddhist statues preserved at the temple. Four of the five, excluding the seated Shaka, are thought to date to the late Heian period; this Kannon is notable for its gentle expression and tall, graceful stance. The group is designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Tsu City. Usually not on public view, the temple treasures are opened annually around the spring cherry-blossom festival.
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 on Feb. 17, Mar. 15, Apr. 8, and Oct. 10 (advance confirmation recommended)
GentlenessRefinementPeacefulness
This is the statue placed on the left among the two standing Eleven-Faced Kannon images enshrined in the inner sanctuary of Ryozenji Kannon Hall. The 178.7 cm figure is made of hinoki cypress using the warihagi technique and dates to the 11th century in the late Heian period. In this technique, the timber is split lengthwise, hollowed out, and rejoined, marking an important stage between single-block and joined-block construction. The statue combines archaic features predating the mature Jocho style with gentler facial features and softly rounded forms that anticipate it. Much of the original fine carving survives, and the image is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture. It can be viewed on the hall's four annual public-opening dates together with the companion Kannon image.
Iwayado
Buddhist Image Stone Seated Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県尾鷲市南浦
Visiting Status Monthly worship and sutra chanting on the 18th (cancelled in rain; advance confirmation recommended because access is via a mountain trail)
MysteryStillnessSolemnity
The principal image of Iwayado is a stone seated Sho Kannon Bodhisattva enshrined in a small shrine beneath a huge rock on the southern slope of Mt. Tengukura. The figure measures 36.2 cm in height and 52.8 cm including the pedestal, and is carved from rhyolite thought to have been quarried locally. Traditionally dated to the late Kamakura period, it is now more often considered a work of around the Muromachi period. Around it stand 33 stone Kannon images modeled on the Saigoku pilgrimage temples, said to have been made in 1677, together with a stone Jizo. The giant rock, cave, and dense group of stone images create an unusually powerful devotional setting. Sutra chanting by a priest of Joseiji Temple is still held here on the 18th of every month, showing that local worship remains active. It is designated a Tangible Folk Cultural Property by Owase City.
Shorinji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県志摩市阿児町立神2051
Visiting Status Hidden image (Kannon Hall opens only on January 2 each year; advance confirmation recommended)
MysteryPowerGentleness
This wooden standing Sho Kannon Bodhisattva by Enku is the principal image of the Kannon Hall at Shorinji Temple. Measuring 215.0 cm, it was carved in 1674, when Enku stayed in the Shima area. He used a slightly curved cherry trunk with knots almost as he found it, carving the face into only part of the wood so that the Buddha seems to emerge directly from the tree. It is the largest of the Enku images preserved at Shorinji and among the largest Enku works in the Shima region. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Shima City. A 2026 visit report states that the Kannon Hall is opened only on January 2 each year, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Shinkyoji Temple (Enma Hall)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon by Enku (236.3 cm overall) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市下弁財町津興2389
Visiting Status Usually viewable through the hall's glass/lattice from outside. Interior viewing is recorded for Apr. 8 and Aug. 16 (advance confirmation recommended).
RefinementGentlenessMystery
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon by Enku is enshrined at Shinkyoji, commonly known as Enma Hall. Measuring 236.3 cm overall, it is carved from a single block of hinoki cypress and is thought to date to around 1674, when Enku traveled through the Ise and Shima regions. Its elongated face, right leg set slightly forward on a split lotus pedestal, and unusually careful finish suggest the influence of Enku's study of early Buddhist sculpture at Horyuji. Among Enku's works it is distinctive for its refined, orthodox appearance. The statue is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture. It can generally be viewed through the hall's glass and lattice from outside; visit records note interior viewing on April 8 and August 16, so advance confirmation is recommended for closer viewing.
Myofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Double-Sided Buddha by Enku (Amida Tathagata / Yakushi Tathagata, 166 cm) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県三重郡菰野町菰野792-1
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (contact the temple by phone before visiting)
GentlenessMysteryWarmth
This unusual double-sided image by Enku is preserved at Myofukuji Temple. Carved from a single piece of sawara cypress, Amida Tathagata and Yakushi Tathagata are rendered in relief on opposite faces of one thick plank, a rare conception among Enku's surviving works. The image stands about 166 cm high. Amida embodies the hope for peace in the next life, while Yakushi represents healing and relief from illness, bringing two forms of devotion together in a single object. Both faces have gentle eyes and subtle smiles. Originally a private devotional image at Jomyoji, once a jinguji temple associated with Ise Jingu, it was transferred to Myofukuji after the anti-Buddhist movement of the early Meiji period. It is thought to date from Enku's travels through Ise and Shima in the Enpo era (1673–1680) and is regarded as one of his representative works. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Komono Town. Advance telephone confirmation and reservation are recommended for viewing.
Yomeizan Yakushiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Yakushi Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
三重県松阪市嬉野一志町670
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 12 years in a Dragon year; next expected in 2036, date TBD)
RefinementPeacefulnessStillness
This wooden standing Yakushi Tathagata is the principal image of Yakushiji Temple. Measuring 95.5 cm, it is made of hinoki cypress in assembled-block construction, with a lacquer-gilt surface and carved eyes, and holds a medicine jar in its left hand. Dating to the late Heian period, it is regarded as an especially accomplished orthodox example of the Jocho style as that courtly sculptural mode spread from the capital to the provinces. Its balanced proportions, refined posture, and calm expression are particularly notable. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The statue is now kept in a repository on the hill behind the Main Hall and unveiled only once every 12 years in a Dragon year. The most recent unveiling was on October 27, 2024, so the next is expected in 2036; the date has not yet been announced.
Sanzoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon by Enku (156.2 cm) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県志摩市志摩町片田2665
Visiting Status No regular public opening; contact the temple in advance to confirm viewing. A 2024 on-site visit report records interior viewing.
PowerMysteryWarmth
This wooden standing Sho Kannon by Enku is preserved at Sanzoji Temple. Measuring 156.2 cm, it is an almost life-size image carved from a single block of wood and dates to around 1674. Its slightly oversized head bears a small emanation Buddha, while the left hand holds a lotus and the figure stands on a split-lotus pedestal. The front is worked with Enku's characteristically vigorous carving, while the back is left largely flat; a cavity at the rear of the head was also devised to hold a relic. It is regarded as one of the representative Enku images of the Shima region and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Shima City. No regular opening schedule has been confirmed, so advance contact with the temple is recommended.
Ganjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
三重県津市観音寺町666
Visiting Status Hidden image; unveiled annually on July 18 (advance confirmation recommended)
StillnessGentlenessNobility
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is preserved at Ganjoji Temple in Kannonji-cho, Tsu. Dating to the Heian period, it is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Tsu City. Eleven-Faced Kannon is a form of Avalokiteshvara crowned with multiple faces, symbolizing compassion directed in all directions. The image has long been protected by the local community as a hidden Buddhist statue. It is normally not on public view, but current unveiling calendars list an annual opening on July 18. Visitors should confirm the date with the temple before traveling.
Kogenji Temple (Doganji Kannon Hall)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市高月町渡岸寺50
Visiting Status Open for viewing (9:00–16:00)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in Doganji Kannon Hall. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated a National Treasure of Japan. Known for its graceful form and refined, compassionate expression, it is one of the representative images of Kannon devotion in the Kohoku region. Tradition holds that villagers buried the statue underground to protect it during wartime, and it can now be viewed in the Kannon Hall.
Shakudoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市木之本町石道419
Visiting Status Open for viewing on weekends and public holidays from March to December (open daily in November, 9:00–16:00; closed in winter)
GentlenessPeacefulnessWarmth
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is the principal image of Shakudoji Temple. Traditionally dated to the late Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from a single piece of zelkova wood, the statue retains a trace of red on the lips, suggesting its former coloring. Its gentle posture, flowing robes, and serene expression are distinctive, and it is also worshiped locally as a Kannon associated with prayers for children.
Rakuyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Eleven-Faced Kannon (Ichii Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町櫟野1377
Visiting Status Secret image (special viewing in spring: April 19 to the second Sunday of May; autumn: October 19 to the second Sunday of November, 9:00–16:00)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden seated Eleven-Faced Kannon is the secret principal image of Rakuyaji Temple. Carved from a single piece of wood and about 3.3 meters high, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. With broad shoulders and a substantial, commanding form, it is an exceptionally large seated image of Eleven-Faced Kannon and is affectionately known at the temple as “Ichii Kannon.” Temple tradition holds that Saicho carved it from a giant ichii tree after receiving a sacred dream. It is now shown during special viewing periods in spring and autumn.
Rakuyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai (One of the Three Great Buddhas of Koka) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町櫟野1377
Visiting Status Normally open for viewing (9:00–16:00; viewing suspended December 17–January 3)
PeacefulnessRefinementSolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined at Rakuyaji Temple. Dating from the late Heian period, it is an approximately 2.22-meter-high, joroku-scale image made in the joined-block technique and modeled on the Jocho style. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and its original pedestal and halo also survive. Tradition holds that it was once the principal image of Senjuji, formerly Rakuyaji's leading subtemple, and it is known as one of the “Three Great Buddhas of Koka.” The temple presents it as the largest Yakushi image in Shiga Prefecture, and it can be viewed during regular visiting hours.
Kannonshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県近江八幡市安土町石寺2
Visiting Status Open for viewing (8:00–17:00; no reservation required)
GentlenessPeacefulnessSolemnity
The seated Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva is the principal image enshrined in the Main Hall of Kannonshoji Temple. After the previous Main Hall and principal image were destroyed by fire in 1993, the new image was consecrated in 2004 when the hall was rebuilt. It is carved entirely from sandalwood, using 23 tons of raw sandalwood imported with special permission from the Indian government. Including its halo, it stands about 6.3 meters high, with a seated height of about 3.5 meters. Known as one of Japan’s largest images of Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Kannon, it is the principal image of the 32nd temple of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage and can be viewed in the Main Hall.
Ishibaji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Joroku Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県東近江市五個荘石馬寺町823
Visiting Status Open for viewing on weekends and public holidays (9:00–16:00; weekdays by prior consultation for groups of 10 or more)
DignityPeacefulnessSolemnity
The wooden seated Joroku Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Great Buddha Treasure Hall at Ishibaji Temple. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The hall preserves eleven Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, including this image, making it a notable place to view a group of Heian-period Buddhist sculptures at close range. It is normally open on weekends and public holidays from 9:00 to 16:00; on weekdays, groups of ten or more may arrange a visit in advance.
Saimyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Fudo Myo-o with Two Attendant Boys Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
滋賀県犬上郡甲良町大字池寺26
Visiting Status Special viewing (dates announced on the official website; autumn 2026: November 14–30; outside the period, group visits only by prior consultation)
DignityTense PresenceSolemnity
The Fudo Myoo with Two Attendant Boys is enshrined in the rear sanctuary of the National Treasure Main Hall at Saimyoji Temple. Dating from the late Heian period, the group is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from single pieces of kaya wood without hollowing, the figures are noted for the central Fudo's comparatively restrained wrathful expression and the shallow, flowing treatment of the robes. Kongara and Seitaka attendants flank Fudo Myoo, and the temple presents the group as the oldest surviving example of a seated Fudo triad. It can be viewed during special openings of the rear sanctuary Buddhist statue group.
Mii-dera Temple (Onjoji)
Buddhist Image Shaka Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県大津市園城寺町246
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (special viewing in the National Treasure Main Hall, November 7–December 6, 2026; 9:00–16:30, last admission 16:00)
NobilityRefinementSolemnity
The Shaka Triad is the principal image of Mii-dera's three-story pagoda. It was created in 1623 as the principal image for a Hokke Hakko memorial service held at the Imperial Court on the seventh anniversary of Emperor Go-Yozei's death, and was made by the early Edo-period Kei-school sculptor Koon. It is known for its refined appearance and finely executed decorative patterns. Normally closed to the public, the triad will be moved to the inner sanctuary of the National Treasure Main Hall for the autumn 2026 special viewing from November 7 to December 6.
Shomyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Footed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市高月町西野1696
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (at least 2 days in advance; 9:00–16:00; closed Mon/Tue and Dec 1–Mar 31)
MysteryWarmthStillness
The Standing Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Footed Kannon of Shomyoji Temple is enshrined in a hall beside Nishino Yakushido. Temple tradition says a Kannon hall was built around 1004–1012 to house the guardian image of the wife of Asozu Hidemichi, and after several relocations it was moved to its current site in 2017. The present image dates from the Edo period, is about 42 cm high, and was made with the joined-block technique. Its distinctive form includes forty feet, making it an exceptionally rare Thousand-Footed Kannon in Japan, and it is thought to be related to Tendai esoteric Buddhism. It can now be viewed by making a reservation at least two days in advance.
Kuroda Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Image Traditionally Identified as Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市木之本町黒田1811
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (closed Mondays; winter closure from December 25 through the end of March)
DignityGentlenessMystery
The wooden standing image traditionally identified as Thousand-Armed Kannon at Kuroda Kannonji dates from the early Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from a single piece of wood, it has 18 arms, and its iconography has led to the view that it may represent Juntei Kannon (Cundi). The figure retains features associated with the Tenpyo tradition and is known for an expression that combines sternness with gentleness. It has long been deeply revered locally for harmony between spouses and healing. Advance reservation is required for viewing.