History and Origins of the Temple
Founded by the Buddhist Priest Gyōki
According to tradition, Yomeirazu Kannon-in was founded in 737, during the Tenpyō era, by the renowned Buddhist priest Gyōki. The principal object of worship is a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon said to have been carved by Gyōki himself. This statue gave rise to the name “Hinoshiri Kannon.” However, the temple became more widely known by its popular name, Yomeirazu Kannon, because of the belief that it grants prayers for a healthy and happy old age without burdening family members with caregiving responsibilities.
The 1,260th Anniversary and the Monumental Sacred Kannon
In 1999, to commemorate the 1,260th anniversary of the temple’s founding and the opening of the Ibara Line of the Ibara Railway, a monumental statue of Shō Kannon, or the Sacred Kannon, was erected. It represents the original form of the temple’s principal Eleven-Headed Kannon.
Carved from a single block of stone, the statue stands 7.7 meters tall and weighs 38 tonnes, making it one of the largest stone Buddhist statues of its kind in Japan. Including its two lotus flowers and pedestal, the monument reaches a total height of 11 meters and weighs 88 tonnes. When the supporting foundation is included, the overall height is approximately 12 meters. Its impressive scale makes it one of the temple’s most striking features.
Worship and Spiritual Traditions
A Place to Pray for Health and Longevity
Yomeirazu Kannon-in attracts many worshippers, particularly middle-aged and older visitors who come to pray for continued good health and a fulfilling life. Its monthly religious service is held on the third Sunday of each month, while major ceremonies take place on the middle days of the spring and autumn equinoctial periods.
These events draw tens of thousands of visitors from across the Chūgoku and Shikoku regions and other parts of Japan. The temple remains an important place of faith for people wishing to maintain their health and enjoy a long, happy life.
Pilgrimage Trails on Mount Hinoshiri
Behind the temple, Mount Hinoshiri features a pilgrimage route inspired by the 33 sacred Kannon sites of the Saigoku pilgrimage. The trail is also popular with hiking enthusiasts who want to combine spiritual exploration with time in nature.
Near the summit stands the Sasuri Kannon, a Kannon statue associated with a tradition of rubbing or touching the statue as part of worship. A rest area is provided nearby. On clear days, the summit offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful place to pause and reflect.
Highlights of the Sacred Kannon Statue
One of Japan’s Largest Stone Buddhist Sculptures
The monumental Shō Kannon statue is one of the temple’s principal attractions. Sculpted from a single stone, it measures 7.7 meters in height and weighs 38 tonnes. Including the two lotus flowers and pedestal, the monument reaches 11 meters in height and weighs 88 tonnes, creating a powerful and imposing presence.
Visitors can admire the statue up close while reflecting on the temple’s long history and the devotion that has sustained its traditions for centuries.
Combine Pilgrimage with a Walk in Nature
Paths around the Sacred Kannon connect with the route for visiting the 33 Kannon pilgrimage sites. Walking these trails offers an opportunity to experience the area’s Buddhist heritage while enjoying the natural surroundings. The rest area near the summit provides a convenient place to take a break and appreciate the scenery on fine days.
The area appeals both to pilgrims seeking a spiritual experience and to hikers looking for a peaceful outdoor excursion.
Visitor Information and Religious Events
Visiting Hours and Weekly Closure
The temple is open to visitors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is normally closed on Tuesdays, although it opens when a monthly service or major religious festival takes place. Visitors planning a trip should keep this schedule in mind.
Monthly Services and Major Festivals
The monthly religious service takes place on the third Sunday of each month. Until September 2019, it was held on the 17th of every month. Major festivals are also held on the spring and autumn equinoxes, attracting large numbers of worshippers.
These gatherings provide important opportunities for devotees to deepen their faith and preserve the temple’s longstanding religious traditions. With its historic origins, monumental stone Kannon statue, and peaceful mountain pilgrimage paths, Yomeirazu Kannon-in is a meaningful destination for visitors interested in Japanese Buddhism, local spiritual culture, and the enduring wish for health and longevity.