Jiunzan Myoanji Temple (Kamioka Kannon)
Main Image Bato Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Impression TagsPowerMysteryDignity
DescriptionThe principal image of Kamioka Kannon, administered by Myoanji Temple, is Bato Kannon, the horse-headed form of Avalokiteshvara. Temple tradition says that about 800 years ago in the Kamakura period, the monk Zukei—said to have trained with Minamoto no Yoshitsune—founded a small hermitage here and enshrined a Bato Kannon image he had carved himself, placing inside it a golden sacred image entrusted to him by Yoshitsune. The site subsequently became a major focus of devotion for the protection of warhorses and farm horses, drawing worshippers from Kanto, Tohoku and Koshinetsu. Today horse owners, trainers and other racing professionals still visit. Often described as one of the foremost Bato Kannon sacred sites in Kanto, it is also known for its annual February 19 ema market, which has been selected by the national government for preservation as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Normally the principal image cannot be viewed inside the hall, but during the 2026 Horse-Year unveiling it may be seen by the public on the monthly observance day, the 19th, except in July and August.
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