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Chokokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
島根県雲南市加茂町三代599
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (official information does not state viewing hours; admission is free)
GentlenessPeacefulnessNobility
The principal wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture. Temple tradition says it was carved in the early Kamakura period from driftwood found on Lake Biwa and is one of three related images enshrined at Hasedera temples in Yamato, Kamakura, and Izumo. About 1.77 meters in total height, the figure raises its right hand in the fear-dispelling gesture and holds a vase with a lotus in its left hand, following the Nara Hasedera style. Long revered as Koyasu Kannon for safe childbirth and the blessing of children, the temple is the 8th site of the Izumo Kannon Pilgrimage. Official information lists admission as free but gives no viewing hours, so advance confirmation is recommended for seeing the image.
Hoonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Polychrome Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
島根県松江市玉湯町湯町567
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (official information does not state viewing hours; admission is free)
DignityNobilitySolemnity
The principal wooden polychrome standing Eleven-Faced Kannon enshrined in Kannon Hall is thought to date to the early Muromachi period and is traditionally attributed to Koun, a son of Unkei. Constructed from joined wooden blocks, the figure holds a vase in the left hand and prayer beads in the right, following the Hasedera-style iconography. Reaching a total height of 4.22 meters, it is regarded as the largest Hasedera-style Kannon image in Shimane Prefecture and was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture in 1968. Hoonji is an old Koyasan Shingon temple traditionally founded by Kobo Daishi and served as a prayer temple for successive rulers of Matsue, from Amago Tsunehisa through Horio Yoshiharu and the Matsudaira family. A Kannon service is held on the 17th of each month.
Mineji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
島根県雲南市三刀屋町給下1381
Visiting Status Hidden image (normally unveiled once every 33 years; next unveiling planned for 2027, date not yet announced)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The wooden seated Kannon Bosatsu enshrined as the principal image of Kannon Hall is thought to date to around the 11th century in the late Heian period and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Unnan City. It is considered older than the temple's seated Dainichi Nyorai and preserves the form of a late-Heian sculpture well. Normally it is unveiled only once every 33 years. The previous special unveiling took place in November 2015 to mark the installation of the current head priest. Unnan City states that the next unveiling is planned for 2027, although the specific date has not yet been announced.
Komyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
島根県雲南市加茂町大竹292
Visiting Status Advance contact required (visitors may view the interior of Kannon Hall on request)
DignitySolemnityNobility
The Eleven-Faced Kannon enshrined in Kannon Hall is a monumental image measuring 1 jo 3 shaku 5 sun in height, reaching about 6 meters from its pedestal, and is described by Unnan City's official information as the largest such image in Shimane Prefecture. Komyoji is an ancient temple traditionally said to have been founded between the Nara and Heian periods and is the 7th temple of the Izumo Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple offers interior viewing and explanations to visitors who request them, so advance contact is required. Because temple records were lost in repeated fires, the official sources do not specify the statue's date or sculptor.
Ichibataji Temple (Ichibata Yakushi)
Buddhist Image Sixteen Arhat Statues Category Other
島根県出雲市小境町803
Visiting Status Open for worship (temple office 8:30–17:00; the grounds remain open for worship outside these hours, but staff are unavailable)
WarmthDepthStillness
The Sixteen Arhats Hall enshrines statues of the sixteen arhats, eminent disciples of Shakyamuni. The figures were created by Karyo Miyo of Izumo and are characterized by individually expressive faces and the earnest bearing of religious practitioners. Ichibataji is traditionally said to have been founded in 894 and is the head temple of the Ichibata Yakushi faith, now serving both the Myoshinji branch of Rinzai Zen and the Ichibata Yakushi religious organization. The sixteen arhats have long held particular importance in Zen, and visitors can worship them in their dedicated hall while observing their varied expressions at close range.
Zenjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
島根県雲南市三刀屋町乙加宮1874
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (special viewing held on Apr 26, 2026; confirm future openings)
DignityNobilitySolemnity
The wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu housed in the repository is a 228 cm single-block sculpture thought to date from the later 10th century or after in the Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Although now finished in black lacquer, traces of gold leaf remain in places, indicating that the entire figure was once gilded. Carved from a large tree trunk, it combines an imposing body with a calm face and softly rendered drapery and is one of the representative ancient Buddhist sculptures of the Izumo region. Zenjoji is an old Tendai temple traditionally founded by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (729–749) and is the 24th temple of the Chugoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. The image is normally closed to the public, but after repairs to the repository it was opened for a special Daihannya service on April 26, 2026. The next opening date has not been announced, so advance confirmation is required.
Hanakuraji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
島根県出雲市多伎町久村908
Visiting Status 8:00–18:00 (official tourism information)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden standing Bishamonten, enshrined as an attendant image in the Main Hall, is a single-block sculpture from the middle Heian period and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Izumo City. Hanakuraji is an ancient Tendai temple traditionally said to have been founded by Gyoki during the Tenpyo era (729–749). Official tourism information identifies the principal image as Dainichi Nyorai, with Eleven-Faced Kannon and Bishamonten as attendants. After the temple declined following repeated fires and other upheavals, Mori Terumoto donated temple land and began restoring the complex, and further rebuilding continued under Matsudaira Naomasa. Visiting hours are listed as 8:00–18:00.
Gakuenji Temple
Buddhist Image Senju Kannon Bosatsu and Yakushi Nyorai Category Bodhisattva / Buddha
島根県出雲市別所町148
Visiting Status Hidden images (unveiled once every 33 years; last unveiled Mar 20–22, 2015; next date not announced)
MysterySolemnityStillness
The principal images of Konpon-do Hall are Senju Kannon Bosatsu and Yakushi Nyorai. Gakuenji is an ancient Tendai temple traditionally founded by the monk Chishun in 594. It was once divided into a northern precinct centered on Senju Kannon and a southern precinct centered on Yakushi Nyorai, but in the Muromachi period a Konpon-do Hall was established to enshrine both principal images side by side, unifying the two precincts. Both images are hidden icons traditionally unveiled once every 33 years. The previous unveiling took place from March 20 to 22, 2015, after which the shrine doors were closed again. No specific date has been announced for the next unveiling. Entry to the temple grounds is accepted from 8:00 to 16:15.
Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple
Buddhist Image Front Image of the Principal Deity: Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岡山県岡山市東区西大寺中3-8-8
Visiting Status Main Hall interior open 9:00–16:00 (admission fee required)
GentlenessSolemnityDepth
Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple is traditionally said to have begun in 751, when Fujiwara no Minataru-hime enshrined a Thousand-Armed Kannon. In the Main Hall, visitors can worship the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon that serves as the front image for the hidden principal deity. The figure has 42 arms—two joined in prayer and 40 additional arms—symbolically representing a thousand arms, and is revered at the first temple of the Chugoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Interior viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:00.
Yugasan Rendaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Great Fudo Myo-o for Protection from Misfortune Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
岡山県倉敷市児島由加2855
Visiting Status Open for worship 9:00–16:00 (normally viewed from a distance; special close viewing during the goma ritual at 11:00 on the 28th of each month)
PowerDignitySolemnity
Yugasan Rendaiji Temple is traditionally said to have been founded by the monk Gyoki in 733. In the Main Sanctuary, completed in 1998, the Great Fudo Myoo for Protection from Misfortune is enshrined as a front image of Yuga Daigongen. Kurashiki's official tourism site introduces it as one of Japan's largest Fudo images. It is normally worshipped from a distance, while the monthly goma ritual at 11:00 on the 28th includes special close viewing.
Ueterasan Yokeiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岡山県瀬戸内市邑久町北島1187
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, April 1–8)
PowerDepthSolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai, about 182 cm tall, is carved from a single block of wood and is thought to date from the early 10th century in the Heian period. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it has a robust body, large head, narrow forehead, and drapery carving that reflects an early-Heian style. Enshrined as the principal image of Yokeiji's Yakushi Hall, it remains a focus of prayer. It is normally hidden and is unveiled during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival from April 1 to 8.
Senjuzan Henmyoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Five Wisdom Tathagatas (Dainichi, Ashuku, Hosho, Amida, and Fukujoju Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岡山県瀬戸内市牛窓町千手239
Visiting Status Viewable (contact Henmyoin in advance)
SolemnityNobilityDepth
This group of wooden seated Five Wisdom Tathagatas consists of the central Dainichi Nyorai together with Ashuku Nyorai, Hosho Nyorai, Amida Nyorai, and Fukujoju Nyorai. Carved in joined hinoki wood and finished with lacquer and gold leaf, the Dainichi is a typical Fujiwara-period image, while the four directional Buddhas differ in style; the group is thought to date to around the late 12th century. Complete sculptural sets of all five Buddhas are rare, and the group is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Okayama Prefecture lists the images as viewable and provides Henmyoin as the contact point for advance inquiries.
Myooji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岡山県岡山市東区竹原185
Visiting Status Advance contact required (viewing available by prior arrangement)
PowerNobilityRefinement
This wooden standing Kannon Bosatsu dates back to the 9th century and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved from a single block of wood, the figure has a full, substantial body and finely carved drapery and ornaments, creating a dignified presence. It is thought that part of the original pedestal beneath the feet was also carved from the same block. Myooji is traditionally counted among the Forty-Eight Temples of Bizen and is said to have been founded by the monk Hoon Daishi in the Nara period. Viewing is available by prior arrangement.
Anyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Tobatsu Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
岡山県倉敷市浅原1573
Visiting Status Advance contact required (9:00–17:00; admission fee required)
DignityPowerDepth
This wooden standing Tobatsu Bishamonten is the central figure among the group of Bishamonten images preserved at Anyoji and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. About 205 cm tall and carved from a single block of hinoki wood, the figure stands upright on the two palms of the earth goddess Jiten, a distinctive feature of the Tobatsu Bishamonten form. It is considered a work of the Heian period. Numerous Bishamonten images remain at the temple, where worship for protection and good fortune continues today. Advance contact is required to view the designated image; the temple office is staffed from 9:00 to 17:00.
Tanjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Shaka Nyorai in the Seiryoji Style and Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岡山県久米郡久米南町里方808
Visiting Status Permanently displayed in the Treasure Museum (9:00–16:00; admission fee required)
RefinementPeacefulnessDepth
Tanjoji's Treasure Museum permanently displays two Prefectural Important Cultural Properties: a wooden standing Shaka Nyorai in the Seiryoji style and a wooden standing Amida Nyorai. The Shaka image dates to the Nanbokucho period and is distinguished by rope-like hair curls, robes closely fitted to the body, and a hem arranged in three layers. The Amida image dates to the late Kamakura period and was formerly the principal image of Tanjoji. Numerous printed Buddha sheets were discovered inside it, including examples printed with wording identifying it as the principal image of Honen's birthplace. The museum is open for paid viewing from 9:00 to 16:00.
Shinnyoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岡山県岡山市北区川入1298
Visiting Status Open only on September 18 (11:00–13:00, free); advance contact required at other times
RefinementPeacefulnessDepth
This wooden standing Amida Nyorai bears an inscription dating it to 1248 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Okayama Prefecture. The 65 cm figure is made of joined hinoki wood, left largely unpainted and finished with an aged surface treatment. Ink inscriptions inside the image record information including the patron, sculptor, and date of production, providing valuable evidence of Buddhist image-making in the Kamakura period. It is opened free of charge each year on September 18 from 11:00 to 13:00; viewing at other times requires advance contact.
Kozanji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Jizo Bosatsu, Wooden Seated Fudo Myo-o, and Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bodhisattva / Wisdom King
岡山県井原市高屋町1801
Visiting Status Reservation required (free)
DepthSolemnityPower
The Treasure Hall of Kozanji, a temple traditionally said to have been founded by Gyoki in 731, houses a nationally designated Important Cultural Property wooden standing Jizo Bosatsu, a nationally designated wooden seated Fudo Myoo, and a prefecturally designated wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon. The Jizo is a Heian-period single-block carving in cherry wood; records inside the image describe the 1707 Hoei earthquake and the eruption of Mount Fuji. The Fudo dates to 1442 and is characterized by a massive body and a comparatively restrained wrathful expression. The Eleven-Faced Kannon is a mid-Heian single-block hinoki carving with a well-balanced figure. All three may be viewed by reservation, free of charge.
Yomeirazu Kannon-in Temple
Buddhist Image Great Stone Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岡山県井原市大江町1036
Visiting Status Viewable at all times from the temple grounds (free access even on closed days)
PowerWarmthSolemnity
The Great Stone Sho Kannon Bosatsu stands within the grounds of Yomeirazu Kannon-in, a temple traditionally attributed to Gyoki. It was erected in January 1999 to commemorate the temple's 1,260th anniversary and the opening of the Ibara Railway Line. The monolithic stone figure itself is 7.7 m high and weighs 38 tonnes. Including the two lotus pedestals and base, it reaches 11 m and 88 tonnes, and about 12 m including the supporting foundation. It is regarded as one of Japan's largest Buddhist statues carved from a single stone. The temple grounds remain freely accessible even on days when the facilities are closed.
Nichiouji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten and Wooden Standing Fudo Myo-o Category Deva / Wisdom King
岡山県岡山市北区日応寺302
Visiting Status Advance application required (submit in writing with date/time, number of visitors, and telephone number)
DignityPowerTense Presence
The wooden standing Bishamonten and Fudo Myoo at Nichiouji are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Bishamonten is about 177.3 cm high, made of joined hinoki wood, covered with cloth, and decorated with kirikane and pigments; it stands on a demon figure. The Fudo Myoo is about 159.4 cm high and is likewise made of joined hinoki wood with an overall cloth covering; its hair is colored with red ochre and the body with pale green pigment. Both are thought to date from the early Kamakura period and are traditionally said to have come from Kojimadera Temple in Nara Prefecture. Viewing requires advance written application to Nichiouji stating the date and time, number of visitors, and telephone number.
Aizenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Statues (pair) Category Tenbu (Deva)
岡山県津山市西寺町98
Visiting Status Viewable at all times from the temple grounds (free access; viewed from outside the Nio Hall)
PowerDignityTense Presence
A pair of wooden Kongo Rikishi statues is enshrined in the Nio halls attached to both sides of the bell gate. Inscriptions inside the statues date them to 1658, and they are designated Important Cultural Properties of Tsuyama City. The bell gate with its attached Nio halls was built in 1644 and preserves an unusual integrated arrangement. Aizenji is said to have been founded in 1605 and stands in the temple district along the former Izumo Kaido road. The grounds are freely accessible, and the statues can be worshipped from outside the Nio Hall.