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Seishinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Statues of the Twenty-Eight Attendant Deities Category Tenbu (Deva)
広島県三原市大和町平坂2033
Visiting Status Viewable in the treasure repository (9:00–17:00; occasional closures, usually open; admission ¥200)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden statues of the Twenty-Eight Attendant Deities can be viewed in the treasure repository at Seishinji Temple. Dating to the Kamakura period, the surviving figures are made in joined-wood construction with crystal-inlaid eyes and display a powerful sculptural style. They have been preserved as attendant deities protecting the temple’s principal Thousand-Armed Kannon and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Hiroshima Prefecture. As a group of medieval Buddhist sculptures at a temple closely associated with the Kobayakawa clan, they are particularly rewarding to see and are normally open to visitors.
Komyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon (Namiwake Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県尾道市東土堂町2-8
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Treasure Hall; ¥400 per person; group visits preferred)
MysteryDepthSolemnity
This wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon is enshrined in the Treasure Hall of Komyoji Temple and is designated a Important Cultural Property. Dating to the late Heian period, it is traditionally said to have been donated in the Muromachi period by Shimazui Jiro Sukenaga, lord of Yosaki Castle on Mukaishima, who kept it as a personal devotional image aboard his ship. Known as the “Namiwake Kannon,” or Kannon who parts the waves, it became an object of faith among the maritime warriors of the Seto Inland Sea. It is also a component property of the Japan Heritage story on the Murakami Kaizoku. The Treasure Hall can be viewed by advance reservation.
Saihoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県竹原市本町3丁目10-44
Visiting Status Viewable at Fumeikaku Hall (visiting hours 8:00–18:00; free)
RefinementNobilitySolemnity
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image of Fumeikaku Hall at Saihoji Temple. Thought to date from the Muromachi period, it is made in joined-wood construction with crystal-inlaid eyes and measures 82 cm in height, or about 95 cm including its pedestal and halo. Its refined face and delicate drapery show the influence of Chinese Song-dynasty style, while the halo uses pierced brass ornament. Exceptionally well preserved, the statue was designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture in 1962. It is enshrined in Fumeikaku, a stage-style hall modeled on Kyoto's Kiyomizudera, and can be viewed during visiting hours.
Gokurakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県廿日市市原2180
Visiting Status Viewable in the Amida Hall (9:00–17:30; until 17:00 in winter; open daily; free admission)
SolemnityDignityPeacefulness
This wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Amida Hall of Gokurakuji Temple. The great image was carved in 1985 by Buddhist sculptor Matsumoto Myokei from red pine, standing 8 m in total height and weighing about 2.5 tons. It ranks among the largest wooden Buddha images in Japan. Its halo contains nine images of Amida as well as about 3,600 small manifestation Buddhas. Located near the summit of 693-meter Mount Gokurakuji, the statue is normally open to visitors and can be viewed at close range.
Fukujoji Temple
Buddhist Image Secret Seated Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県東広島市西条町下三永3641
Visiting Status Special opening on November 3, 2026 (9:00–16:00; normally unveiled once every 33 years; admission ¥1,000)
MysteryNobilitySolemnity
The principal image of Fukujoji Temple’s Main Hall is a secret seated Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bosatsu. Normally unveiled only once every 33 years, it will receive a one-day special opening on November 3, 2026, commemorating the temple’s 1,300th anniversary. The image is enshrined at the center of the Main Hall’s nationally designated Important Cultural Property altar ensemble, consisting of the zushi shrine and shumidan platform, and has long been an object of devotion. Fukujoji is traditionally said to have been founded around 726, making this opening an especially rare opportunity to see the principal image.
Fukuoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Statues (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
広島県広島市安佐北区可部町綾ケ谷251
Visiting Status Viewable at the Niomon Gate during temple visits
PowerDignitySolemnity
A pair of wooden Kongo Rikishi statues stands on either side of the Niomon Gate at Fukuoji Temple. Carved from hinoki cypress in joined-wood construction with hollowed interiors, the Agyo figure measures 258.1 cm and the Ungyo figure 256.3 cm. Their restrained movement, relatively large heads, and other features clearly preserve the style of the late Heian period in the 12th century, and they are regarded as among the oldest surviving Kongo Rikishi images in Hiroshima Prefecture. With much of their original facial and drapery design intact, they were designated Important Tangible Cultural Properties of Hiroshima City in March 2026.
Zenkonji Repository
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県三原市小坂町1165
Visiting Status Open to the public on the third Sunday of odd-numbered months (9:00–12:00; may be canceled in rain)
DignityDepthSolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined as the principal image at the center of the Zenkonji Repository. Dating to the early Heian period, probably from the late 9th to early 10th century, it measures 130.1 cm high. Primarily carved from a single block of wood, its broad, weighty body and relatively small head preserve the powerful character of early Heian sculpture. Although the face, hands, pedestal, and halo were repaired or replaced in later periods, much of the original torso remains. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Mihara City, it is shown to the public on the third Sunday of odd-numbered months.
Aki Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県東広島市西条町吉行2064
Visiting Status Viewable in Yakushi Hall (temple grounds freely accessible)
DignityDepthStillness
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined in the Yakushi Hall of Aki Kokubunji Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, it is a half-jo-roku image carved principally from a single block of wood and preserves the Fujiwara style. Repeated fires carbonized much of the figure, and the tip of the nose and both hands were repaired in later periods, yet its substantial form and powerful expression remain striking. Restored in 2007, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. The temple's official website states that the grounds are freely accessible to visitors.
Kohori Yakushi
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Four Heavenly Kings Category Tenbu (Deva)
広島県山県郡北広島町古保利10224
Visiting Status On display in the repository (9:00–16:30; last admission 16:00; closed Mondays, or the following day if Monday is a holiday, and Dec. 28–Jan. 4)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Four wooden statues of the Heavenly Kings—Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten, and Tamonten—are displayed in the Kohori Yakushi Repository. All are single-block wooden sculptures from the early Heian period, dating to the 9th century. Together with the Thousand-Armed Kannon, three Eleven-Faced Kannon figures, and Kisshoten, they form the group of ancient images preserved from the former Fukkoji Temple site. All four are National Important Cultural Properties, distinguished by powerful bodies and richly individual expressions. They are normally on public display in the repository.
Myooin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Miroku Bosatsu with Seated Fudo Myo-o and Aizen Myo-o Category Bodhisattva / Wisdom King
広島県福山市草戸町1473
Visiting Status Viewable during the annual special opening of the first story of the five-story pagoda (normally closed)
MysterySolemnityTense Presence
A wooden triad of Miroku Bosatsu, Fudo Myoo, and Aizen Myoo is enshrined on the altar of the first story of Myooin Temple's National Treasure five-story pagoda. Dating to the 14th-century Nanbokucho period, the figures are made in joined-wood construction with crystal eyes, lacquer and gold leaf, and polychrome decoration. Miroku measures 52.7 cm high, Fudo 28.8 cm, and Aizen 34.4 cm. The triad was designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture in 2020. The pagoda interior is normally closed, but the images can be viewed during the annual special opening of its first story.
Ryusenji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Triad and Sixteen Protective Deities Cliff-Carved Images Category Tathagata / Other
広島県三原市小泉町4543
Visiting Status Always viewable (outdoors; free access)
MysteryDepthSolemnity
The massive granite Hachijo-iwa Rock near the summit of Mt. Shirataki behind Ryusenji Temple bears a group of cliff-carved Buddhist images. The south face features a Shaka triad centered on Shaka Nyorai, while the northern faces include images associated with Xuanzang and the Sixteen Protective Deities. In total, nineteen figures are carved in relief. Believed to date from the early Edo period, the group is a rare example of the Sixteen Protective Deities represented in stone. Ryusenji and Mt. Shirataki are freely accessible, so the carvings can be viewed outdoors at any time.
Ima-Koyasan Ryugeji Temple
Buddhist Image Two Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Images Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県世羅郡世羅町甲山152
Visiting Status Unveiled only once a year on August 20
NobilityDepthSolemnity
Ryugeji Temple at Ima-Koyasan preserves two wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon images. Both are single-block sculptures from the Heian period: one about 1.8 m tall carved from chinaberry wood, and the other about 1.7 m tall carved from zelkova. Both are regarded as outstanding works of the early Fujiwara period and are designated National Important Cultural Properties. During restoration of the 1.8 m figure, an Engi Tsuho coin was discovered in a hollow at the back. Normally closed to the public, the treasure hall opens only once a year on August 20, when both images can be viewed.
Makaenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県尾道市原田町梶山田4383
Visiting Status Hidden image (normally unveiled once every 33 years; last partially unveiled April 28–29, 2019)
MysteryNobilitySolemnity
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is the principal image of Makaenji Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, it measures 190 cm in height and is principally carved from a single block of hinoki cypress. Its tall, slender proportions are balanced by a substantial lower body, giving the image a dignified presence. Although much of the original surface color has been lost, the restrained massing and taut facial expression remain striking. It is designated a Important Cultural Property. Normally kept as a hidden image, it is traditionally unveiled once every 33 years; the most recent partial unveiling was held on April 28–29, 2019.
Jizoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon (Kongo Kenshi Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県福山市鞆町後地1323-1
Visiting Status Open at all times (no closing days; free admission)
WarmthRefinementMystery
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in the main hall of Jizoin Temple. A joined-wood sculpture from the Muromachi period, it stands 145.7 cm tall. Its lips are slightly parted to reveal four upper teeth, and crystal eyes are set into the face. Its faintly smiling expression is exceptionally rare for a Kannon image. One foot steps forward as if the bodhisattva were setting out to save those in distress. Known as Kongo Kenshi Kannon, it is venerated for dental health and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. Jizoin is open at all times with no closing days and no admission fee.
Jodoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県尾道市東久保町20-28
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 33 years; next regular unveiling expected in 2034; specially unveiled in 2019)
DignityMysterySolemnity
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is the principal image enshrined in the sanctuary of Jodoji Temple's National Treasure Main Hall. It is believed to date from the 9th century, close to the early Heian period, and is carved principally from a single block of hinoki cypress. Standing about 1.6 m tall, it has a full face and a broad, powerful body that preserve the substantial mass of early single-block sculpture. It is designated a Important Cultural Property. Normally kept as a hidden image, it is unveiled once every 33 years, with the next regular unveiling expected in 2034; a special unveiling was also held in 2019 to commemorate the imperial accession.
Seijuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県安芸高田市吉田町吉田字大賀屋998
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 33 years; most recently April 18–19, 2026)
DepthMysterySolemnity
This wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image of Seijuji Temple. Believed to date from around the 10th century in the early Heian period, it stands 152.0 cm tall. The head and body are carved from a single block of wood without hollowing, retaining the substantial mass characteristic of early wooden sculpture. Tradition holds that Mori Motonari prayed before the image whenever he went to battle. In 1589, when Mori Terumoto attempted to move it to Hiroshima Castle, the image and its shrine were said to have become as heavy as a great boulder, so it remained in Yoshida. It is an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. Normally kept as a hidden image and unveiled once every 33 years, it was most recently shown on April 18–19, 2026.
Fudoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県広島市東区牛田新町3-4-9
Visiting Status Viewable during the annual interior openings of the Kondo Hall on January 1–3 and May 5
DignityRefinementSolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Fudoin Temple's National Treasure Kondo Hall. A Heian-period sculpture, it is made of joined hinoki cypress wood with lacquer and gold leaf and measures 140 cm in height. Its serene rounded face and flowing drapery exemplify the Jocho style, and it is designated a Important Cultural Property. Inscriptions associated with a restoration in 1450 survive on the halo and pedestal. The Kondo Hall interior is normally closed, but is traditionally opened on January 1–3 and May 5, when the principal image can be viewed.
Jodoji Temple
Buddhist Image Three Wooden Standing Images of Prince Shotoku Category Other
広島県尾道市東久保町20-28
Visiting Status On permanent display in the Treasure Museum (advance reservation requested for groups)
NobilityRefinementDepth
Three wooden standing images of Prince Shotoku are permanently displayed in Jodoji Temple's Treasure Museum. They portray him in three distinct forms—the Regent, Namu-butsu Prince, and Filial Piety images—and date respectively from the early Heian, Kamakura, and Nanbokucho periods. Seen together, the three offer a rare opportunity to compare how representations of Prince Shotoku developed across three eras. All three are designated National Important Cultural Properties. Jodoji's official website lists them as the 'Prince Shotoku Triad' on permanent display in the museum.
Kosodate Kannon / Former Hoonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon and Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県世羅郡世羅町赤屋上法270
Visiting Status Normally closed; viewing by advance reservation (special openings held August 10 and 20, 2026)
DepthMysteryNobility
Two important wooden Kannon images are preserved at the former Hoonji Temple, known as Kosodate Kannon. The Eleven-Faced Kannon dates to the early Heian period, stands 147 cm tall, and is carved from a single block of kaya wood, including the lotus core. Its rhythmic drapery and carved decorative motifs make it a rare example of Jogan-period sculpture in Hiroshima. The Sho Kannon dates to the middle Heian (Fujiwara) period, stands 136 cm tall, and is made in joined hinoki wood with an elegant, refined form. Both are designated National Important Cultural Properties. They are normally not on public view and require advance reservation, though special openings were held on August 10 and 20, 2026.
Doryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県安芸郡府中町みくまり3丁目9-8
Visiting Status Viewable during the annual unveiling of the principal image on the third Sunday of May
RefinementPeacefulnessDepth
Doryuji Temple preserves this wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai as its principal image. An inscription inside the statue dates its creation precisely to 1201, at the beginning of the Kamakura period. The figure stands 86 cm high and is made in joined hinoki cypress construction. While retaining the gentle, flowing style inherited from the Heian period, it has a refined face and calm sense of volume. As a regional Buddhist image with a surviving dated inscription from this period, it is particularly valuable and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. The principal image is unveiled every year on the third Sunday of May, together with the temple's flower festival and fire-walking goma rite.