Kyoto's Ryozen Kannon

A quiet oasis of cherry blossoms in Higashiyama

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

The 79 foot (23.7 meter) tall seated Kannon sits on top of the 'honden', or main hall.

Early April, in the middle of cherry blossom season, I had the grounds all to myself.

Built of concrete on a steel rod frame, the Kannon's face was modeled by the famous sculptor, Choun Yamazaki.

A beautiful 8 foot (2.4 meter) long memorial footprint of the Buddha, the largest in Japan.

A weeping cherry tree decorates the grounds, just behind it lies the bamboo forest of Kodaiji Temple.

In addition to the Kannon, the grounds also contain a monument to unknown soldiers, a shrine, a mausoleum, a lecture hall, and more.

This is the 'Negai-no-tama'. Walk around it three times, while keeping your hand on its surface. As you walk, make a wish or prayer. Then, purchase a wooden plaque, write your wish/prayer, hang it up, and you may receive some assistance in it being granted.

All visitors are given a stick of incense upon entering the grounds. Use it to pray for peace and/or pay your respects.

There is a variety of things to see. A couple of antique vehicles are on display in this building.

There is a small admission fee to enter the grounds, which are open from 9am to 5pm.

The cherry trees in the back-right side of the grounds are especially lovely.

The Ryozen Kannon sits adjacent to famous Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto. The giant Goddess of Mercy was built in 1955 to promote peace and honor fallen Japanese and Allied soldiers of the Pacific War. As the memorial is rather new, and is partially hidden behind a large parking lot, most visitors to Kyoto pass right by. However, for those looking to escape the crowds of Higashiyama, it is a quiet, contemplative oasis - and the grounds are especially lovely during cherry blossom season.

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By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Veronika Tomanova 10 years ago

Did you take the pic early in the morning? Or how come there is nobody around:)

Sandra Isaka Photographer 10 years ago

It was the middle of the day, in cherry blossom season! Most visitors to Kyoto are there for the historic sites and so they don't visit this lovely (relatively new) Kannon.

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