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Kannonshoji Temple
A temple where a Thousand-Armed Kannon welcomed by the scent of sandalwood awaits you. Japan Heritage, Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage Site, Stamp Temple No. 32.
Kannonshoji Temple in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, is a historic temple said to have been built on Mt. Kinugasa Approx. 1,400 years ago after Prince Shotoku accepted the wish of a mermaid he met in the lake. It has long been known as a matchmaking temple, and many people visit to pray for the fulfillment of various kinds of connections. It is also known as the ruins of Kannonji Castle, the residence of the shugo daimyo Sasaki Rokkaku clan.
The temple is located at the mountain’s summit. After climbing the long approach path and reaching the entrance, powerful Nio guardian statues welcome you. The main hall burned down once in 1993, but was rebuilt in 2004. Inside, a Thousand-Armed Kannon statue is enshrined, carved from 23 tons of sandalwood specially imported from India. It stands an impressive 6.3 m tall, one of the largest in Japan. In this solemn space filled with the scent of sandalwood, it watches over visitors with a compassionate gaze.
In the temple grounds, bamboo lilies and azaleas bloom in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and red spider lilies in fall, soothing everyone who visits. The view over Azuchi spreading out below is also exceptional. It’s an ideal place for anyone looking to refresh both body and mind.
Highlights
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A temple founded Approx. 1,400 years ago.
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Japan Heritage, Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage Site, Stamp Temple No. 32.
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The impressive, powerful Nio guardian statues standing at the entrance.
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The main hall enshrines an all-sandalwood Thousand-Armed Kannon, one of the largest in Japan.
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Seasonal flowers throughout the grounds and beautiful views spreading out below are also highlights.
Photos
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At the end of the journey to the temple, two Nio guardian statues await
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The main hall, rebuilt in 2004 after the fire
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At the center of the main hall, a Thousand-Armed Kannon—one of the largest in Japan—is enshrined
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Take in sweeping views over Azuchi for a refreshing feeling!
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Azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and red spider lilies in fall bring color to the grounds
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Fall foliage is also a highlight
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you offer goshuin temple stamps?
A
Yes. There are eight types, including goshuin for Japan’s oldest pilgrimage, the Japan Heritage Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and a stamp for Prince Shotoku. Goshuin: 500 yen (excluding special or limited-edition stamps, etc.).
Q
Is there parking?
A
Yes.
Omote forest road (Omihachiman City, Ishidera side): parking for 8 cars *Forest road vehicle toll: 600 yen
Ura forest road (Higashiomi City, Gokasho side): parking for 20 cars *Forest road vehicle toll: 600 yen
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
How long does it take from the nearest bus stop?
A
From the Omi Bus Kannonjiguchi bus stop, it’s a mountain hike of just under one hour.
Q
Which forest road is more convenient?
A
From the Omote forest road (Omi City, Ishidera side) parking lot, you’ll climb 400 stone steps.
From the Ura forest road (Higashiomi City, Gokasho side) parking lot, it’s Approx. a 10-minute walk along a gently sloped, unpaved approach path.
Q
Are there taxis from the nearest station?
A
Yes, from both JR Notogawa Station and Azuchi Station, but Notogawa Station has more taxis since it’s a stop for the Shin-Kaisoku (Special Rapid) trains.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 観音正寺
- Postal Code
- 521-1331
- Address
- 2, Ishidera, Azuchi-cho, Omihachiman, Shiga
- Phone
- 0748-46-2549
- Closed on
- None
- Hours
- 8:00am–5:00pm
- Admission
- Adults: 500 yen, middle and high school students: 300 yen, elementary school students and younger: free, special inner sanctuary viewing: 500 yen
- Access
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(1) Approx. 20 min by car from JR Biwako Line “Azuchi” Station to the Ura approach mountain-top parking lot, then a 10-minute walk
(2) Approx. 15 min by car from JR Biwako Line “Notogawa” Station to the Ura approach mountain-top parking lot, then a 10-minute walk - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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