Myojozan Fumonin Kannonji Temple
Main Image Motodori Bato Kanzeon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Impression TagsMysteryNobilityStillness
DescriptionThe secret Motodori Bato Kanzeon Bosatsu is revered as the principal image of Kannonji Temple. According to temple tradition, it was a personal devotional image of Minamoto no Yoritomo. The temple traces its origin to Yoritomo’s stay in Nakagosho while visiting Zenkoji, when he is said to have established a hall here and enshrined the image. The name Motodori, meaning a topknot, comes from the tradition that Yoritomo carried the small image concealed in his hair. Normally kept hidden, it is unveiled once each year on August 9 during the temple’s 48,000-Day Ennichi service. About an eight-minute walk from Nagano Station, it is an unusually accessible secret image with a clearly established annual viewing date.
Basic Information
Visit posts for this spot
No visit posts yet.