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Enmeiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Jizo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府東大阪市菱屋西4-5-15
Visiting Status Viewable from outside the Jizo Hall (confirm locally for entry into the hall)
SolemnityDignityPeacefulness
The principal image of Enmeiji Temple's Jizo Hall is a monumental wooden seated Jizo Bosatsu measuring about 4.25 meters high. Dating from around the late Kamakura to Muromachi period, it is exceptionally large for a surviving Jizo image in Osaka Prefecture and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Osaka Prefecture. The statue remains enshrined in the Jizo Hall and can be viewed from outside the hall. Enmeiji continues as the 32nd temple of the Kawachi Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage.
Ensho-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Juntei Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府吹田市山田東3-14-27
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled at the First Kannon service in January and the Sennichi Mairi in July each year; service attendees are guided inside afterward)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The principal image of the Oku-no-in Juntei Hall at Ensho-ji Temple is a wooden standing Juntei Kannon. This early-Heian-period figure has one face and eight arms and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Osaka Prefecture. Juntei Kannon is revered as a mother of the Buddhas and is especially associated with prayers for conception and safe childbirth. Normally hidden, the image is unveiled twice a year at the First Kannon service in January and the Sennichi Mairi in July. Participants in the service are guided into the hall afterward for a close viewing; at other times it is worshipped from outside the hall.
Heishoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
大阪府堺市美原区小寺2
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually for the Hatsuyakushi Grand Festival on January 8; confirm in advance)
PeacefulnessSolemnityDepth
The principal image of Heishoji Temple is a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai enshrined in a zushi shrine at the center of the Main Hall. Measuring 174.2 cm high, it is a joined-block half-jo-roku image dating to the late Heian period, probably the later 11th century, and is thought to reflect the work of Kyoto-based sculptors. Its rounded face, elongated body, and softly modeled drapery preserve the elegant Jocho style and show affinities with the Amida image at Byodoin's Phoenix Hall. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Sakai City. Normally hidden, the image has been confirmed in recent years to be unveiled for the annual Hatsuyakushi Grand Festival on January 8.
Jodo-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Triad (Amida Nyorai with Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県小野市浄谷町2094
Visiting Status Viewable during regular hours (9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00; until 16:00 from October to March. No interior viewing on December 31 or January 1)
SolemnityDignityMystery
The principal images of Jodo-ji Temple’s Jodo-do are a standing triad of Amida Buddha with Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas, created by Kaikei in 1197. The central Amida stands 530 cm high and the two attendants 370 cm, all standing on cloud-shaped pedestals to embody Amida’s descent to welcome the faithful. A major work of the early Kamakura period showing strong influence from Song-dynasty Chinese Buddhist painting, the triad is designated a National Treasure. The hall was also designed to admit light from the west so that it illuminates the three figures. The triad can be viewed inside the hall during regular visiting hours.
Kannō-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Nyoirin Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県西宮市甲山町25-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on May 18 during the Yūzū Kannon Festival)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The principal image of Kannō-ji Temple’s Main Hall is a wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon from the Heian period, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Temple tradition attributes the image to Kūkai, while the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History dates it to the late 10th or early 11th century. Nishinomiya City introduces it as one of Japan’s three celebrated Nyoirin Kannon images. It is normally kept hidden and is unveiled each year on May 18 during the Yūzū Kannon Festival, when the public may worship it.
Nakayama-dera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県宝塚市中山寺2-11-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled on the 18th of every month, Kannon’s monthly observance day)
GentlenessNobilityWarmth
The principal image of Nakayama-dera Temple’s Main Hall is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon. About 1.51 meters tall and carved from a single piece of kaya wood, it is regarded as a Heian-period work and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Temple tradition says the image originated from Queen Śrīmālā of ancient India, who had it carved in her own likeness out of a vow to save women. Two additional Eleven-Faced Kannon images flank it in the Main Hall, so the three statues together represent thirty-three faces. The principal image is normally hidden and is unveiled on the 18th of every month.
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Six-Armed Nyoirin Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県姫路市書写2968
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on January 18 during the Shushoe and Oni-oi ceremony; free access to the inner sanctuary in the morning and after the service)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The principal image of Engyoji Temple’s Maniden Hall is the Six-Armed Nyoirin Kannon. According to temple tradition, before the Maniden was founded in 970, Shoku Shonin carved the Kannon into a living cherry tree that heavenly beings were seen worshiping, leaving the tree rooted in the ground. The image is designated a Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture and is normally kept hidden. It is unveiled once a year on January 18 during the Shushoe and Oni-oi ceremony, with free access to the inner sanctuary in the morning and again after the service.
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Triad (Shakyamuni with Monju and Fugen Bodhisattvas) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県姫路市書写2968
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (specially opened during the annual Mt. Shosha Fresh Green Festival in early May and the autumn foliage festival in mid-November; the 2026 spring opening was May 3–5)
SolemnityDignityRefinement
The Shaka Triad is enshrined in the inner sanctuary of Engyoji Temple’s Daikodo. Shakyamuni occupies the center, with Monju Bodhisattva to the right and Fugen Bodhisattva to the left as viewed from the front. According to the temple’s official information, the triad was created in 986 by Priest Kanna, a disciple of founder Shoku Shonin who was noted for his skill in sculpture, and it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The interior of the Daikodo and the triad are normally closed but are specially opened during annual events such as the Fresh Green Festival in early May and the autumn foliage festival in mid-November.
Shoshazan Engyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Joroku Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県姫路市書写2968
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (specially opened during the annual Mt. Shosha Fresh Green Festival in early May and the autumn foliage festival in mid-November; the 2026 spring opening was May 3–5)
SolemnityPeacefulnessStillness
The large seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined on the central altar of Engyoji Temple’s Jogyo-do. Originally the principal image of Ojoin, it was created in 1005 by Priest Anchin, a disciple of founder Shoku Shonin who was renowned for his carving skill. Because it wears a jeweled crown, it is also known as the 'Crowned Amida' and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The interior of Jogyo-do and the image are normally closed, but they are specially opened during annual events such as the Fresh Green Festival in early May and the autumn foliage festival in mid-November.
Tasshin-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai, Wooden Seated Eleven-Faced Kannon, and Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Tathagatas and Bodhisattva
兵庫県丹波市氷上町清住259
Visiting Status Open to visitors year-round (9:00–16:00)
SolemnityPowerDepth
These three statues, designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, are enshrined in the treasure hall of Tasshin-ji Temple, known as the 'Shosoin of Tamba.' The principal wooden seated Amida Nyorai is flanked by a wooden seated Eleven-Faced Kannon and a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai, and all three are regarded as works of the early Kamakura period. The Amida is a commanding image about 2.3 meters high, and the group retains gilding and lacquer. Tasshin-ji preserves more than eighty wooden Buddhist statues from the Heian and Kamakura periods, many of which can be viewed at close range in its treasure halls.
Kakurin-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Sho Kannon (Aitata Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県加古川市加古川町北在家424
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (displayed in the Treasure Hall; temple admission is 9:00–16:30, with closing at 17:00. Confirm the current display before visiting)
NobilityRefinementWarmth
This bronze standing Sho Kannon, also known as the “Aitata Kannon,” is one of Kakurin-ji Temple’s best-known Buddhist images. The 83 cm statue dates to the Hakuho period and is distinguished by its noble, lightly twisting stance and flowing celestial robes. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Before World War II it was exhibited in Germany, and after the war it was also shown in the United States as a representative example of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. It is displayed in the Treasure Hall, but checking the current exhibition status before visiting is recommended.
Daijoji Temple (Okyo-dera)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県美方郡香美町香住区森860
Visiting Status Open during regular visiting hours (9:00–16:00; last admission 15:40. Irregular closing days)
NobilityStillnessDepth
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in the central Buddhist altar room of Daijoji Temple’s Kyakuden. The 138 cm image is a polychromed wooden sculpture constructed in joined-block technique and is regarded as showing characteristics of the late Heian period. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The guest hall is arranged around this Kannon, with paintings by Maruyama Okyo and his school adorning thirteen rooms to create a three-dimensional mandala-like Buddhist world. The original wall paintings are now kept in storage for preservation, while the Eleven-Faced Kannon can be worshipped during regular visiting hours.
Nofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Hyogo Daibutsu (Vairocana Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神戸市兵庫区北逆瀬川町1-39
Visiting Status Viewable from the temple grounds (temple office 10:00–16:00)
SolemnityDignityPower
The Hyogo Daibutsu is enshrined on the grounds of Nofukuji Temple. The present statue is a bronze seated Vairocana Buddha rebuilt in May 1991. The figure itself is 11 meters high, with a 3-meter lotus pedestal and a 4-meter base, for a total height of 18 meters. Its predecessor, erected in 1891, was lost in 1944 through wartime metal requisition. It is introduced as one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues alongside those of Nara and Kamakura, and continues to be worshipped as a Buddha associated with the fulfillment of a single heartfelt wish. The outdoor statue can be viewed from the temple grounds.
Mudoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Nyorai, Seated Shaka Nyorai, Seated Amida Nyorai, Seated Fudo Myo-o, and Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Tathagatas, Wisdom King, and Bodhisattva
兵庫県神戸市北区山田町福地字新池100
Visiting Status Viewable in the Main Hall (admission ¥500; visiting hours should be confirmed in advance)
SolemnityPowerDepth
Five Buddhist statues designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan can be viewed in Mudoji Temple’s Main Hall. The principal image, a wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai, is 2.785 meters high and carved from a single block of Japanese cypress; the temple dates it to no later than the early Fujiwara period. The hall also enshrines a seated Shaka Nyorai, seated Amida Nyorai, seated Fudo Myoo, and standing Eleven-Faced Kannon, all designated Important Cultural Properties. A major attraction is the opportunity to worship these outstanding wooden Buddhist images at close range.
Taisanji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神戸市西区伊川谷町前開224
Visiting Status Normally viewable (8:30–17:00; until 16:30 from December to February. Temple admission ¥300)
SolemnityPeacefulnessStillness
The wooden seated Amida Nyorai is the principal image of Taisanji Temple’s Amida Hall. About 2.74 meters high, it is a monumental jo-roku image made with the joined-block technique and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Amida Hall was rebuilt in 1688 and was originally used as a Tendai practice hall for constant walking meditation; as devotion to Amida grew, it came to be known as the Amida Hall. The image can be worshipped in the hall during regular temple visiting hours.
Antaizan Daikokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai, Seated Dainichi Nyorai, Seated Amida Nyorai, Standing Jikokuten, and Standing Zojoten Category Tathagatas and Devas
兵庫県丹波篠山市味間奥162
Visiting Status Viewable inside the Main Hall (8:00–17:00; last admission 16:30. Viewing may be unavailable during ceremonies or other temple functions)
SolemnityDignityDepth
Five wooden Buddhist statues are enshrined in Daikokuji Temple’s Main Hall: the principal seated Yakushi Nyorai, together with seated Dainichi Nyorai, seated Amida Nyorai, standing Jikokuten, and standing Zojoten. According to the temple’s official information, all five date to the Fujiwara period and were designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan in 1922. The Yakushi Nyorai is regarded as an unusual image expressing the concept of “one Buddha, three bodies,” and preserves period features in its halo, crown, and lotus pedestal. A major attraction is that the five statues can be worshipped together inside the Main Hall.
Kakurin-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Shaka Triad (Shaka Nyorai, Monju Bosatsu, and Fugen Bosatsu) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県加古川市加古川町北在家424
Visiting Status Normally viewable (displayed in the Treasure Hall; temple admission 9:00–16:30, closing at 17:00. Treasure Hall admission ¥500)
SolemnityPeacefulnessRefinement
The wooden Shaka Triad was traditionally enshrined as the principal image of Kakurin-ji Temple’s Taishi Hall and is now kept and displayed in the Treasure Hall. The central seated Shaka Nyorai is 45.5 cm high and made with the joined-block technique. Its calm expression retains the character of the late Heian period, while the use of crystal eyes and the organized drapery show features associated with the Kamakura period. The attendant figures are Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu. The triad is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is notable for its refined, serene unity despite its modest scale.
Ikarugadera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Shaka Nyorai, Yakushi Nyorai, and Nyoirin Kannon Category Tathagatas and Bodhisattva
兵庫県揖保郡太子町鵤709
Visiting Status Hidden images (opened on February 22–23 and August 21–22 during temple festivals)
SolemnityDignityMystery
Three monumental jo-roku Buddhist images are enshrined in Ikarugadera Temple’s Lecture Hall: Shaka Nyorai in the center, Yakushi Nyorai to the viewer’s right, and Nyoirin Kannon to the left. All are seated figures over three meters high and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. They are normally kept behind closed doors, but are unveiled during the spring festival on February 22–23 and the summer festival on August 21–22, when visitors can see the impressive sight of all three images filling the hall.
Banshu Kiyomizudera Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県加東市平木1194
Visiting Status Normally viewable (8:00–17:00; last admission 16:30)
GentlenessSolemnityPeacefulness
The seated Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon is the principal image of Banshu Kiyomizudera Temple’s Daikodo and the principal image of the 25th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The present statue was created in an old style after the 1913 fire and is enshrined in the inner sanctuary of the Daikodo. With its many arms and eleven faces, Kannon is worshipped here as a compassionate presence who receives prayers for the deceased and responds to human suffering. Unlike many principal images on the Saigoku pilgrimage, this image is not a hidden Buddha and can normally be worshipped during regular opening hours.
Hokkezan Ichijoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Sho Kannon (Maedachi Image of the Principal Deity) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県加西市坂本町821-17
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Treasure Hall; open to the public on April 4 and November 5, otherwise reserve at least two weeks in advance)
NobilityRefinementPurity
This gilt-bronze standing Sho Kannon has been venerated as the maedachi, or front image, of Hokkezan Ichijoji Temple’s hidden principal Kannon and is now housed in the Treasure Hall. About 80 cm tall, the slender figure is known as an outstanding early Kannon image in the Hakuho tradition. It closely follows the form of the hidden principal image while showing richer details in its ornaments and drapery. The Treasure Hall is open to the public on April 4 and November 5; on other days, viewing is available by reservation at least two weeks in advance.