Yanagidani Kannon, Yokoku-ji Temple

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Yanagidani Kannon, Yokoku-ji Temple

A temple revered for prayers for healing eye diseases.

3.95 1

Last update :
Head Editor : Yanagidani Kannon

Founded in 806 during the Heian period by Enchin, who also established Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Located in the mountains of Nagaoka-kyo, it is often referred to as the "Kiyomizu of the West." Since ancient times, the 'Okouzui' spring water emerging within the temple grounds is believed to cure eye diseases, attracting devotees, particularly those suffering from eye ailments since the Heian period. The temple has deep connections with emperors and noble families, and its treasure house contains items bestowed by the Imperial family and historical figures.

Visitors can enjoy fresh greenery from late April, hydrangeas from June to early July, and beautiful autumn leaves from mid-November to early December. The approximately 5,000 hydrangea plants within the temple grounds are among the largest in Kyoto. Every year in June, 'Yanagidani Kannon Hydrangea Week' is held, allowing visitors to enjoy the hydrangeas while walking along the corridors from the Shoin to the Okunoin and the path from the main hall to the inner sanctuary.

Recently, it has become popular as one of the Kansai region's leading destinations for seasonal floral hand-water basins. Started in 2017 with the desire to create a sacred place that reflects the four seasons, the hand-water basin is decorated with seasonal flowers, offering a different experience with each visit. Additionally, on the 17th of every month, the temple enshrines the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Eye Kannon, drawing large crowds.

Highlights

  • Located in the mountains of Nagaoka-kyo, known as the "Kiyomizu of the West."
  • Revered since the Heian period for its beneficial effects on eye diseases.
  • A leading Kansai destination for enjoying seasonal floral hand-water basins.
  • Attracts many visitors to enjoy the fresh green of early summer, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.

Photos

  • The quiet temple grounds spread in the mountains of Nagaoka-kyo

    The quiet temple grounds spread in the mountains of Nagaoka-kyo

  • A variety of hydrangeas bloom from June to early July

    A variety of hydrangeas bloom from June to early July

  • The 'flower hand-water basin' that changes its appearance with the seasons

    The 'flower hand-water basin' that changes its appearance with the seasons

Reviews

1
  • Diana Lee

    有重度去日本旅遊旅人一定對於楊谷寺柳谷觀音很熟悉,如有看過美麗又夢幻的花手水美照,是將季節花朵裝飾於寺內的手水舍,結合花與寺院結合為藝術,來這也可以祈求眼睛疾病痊癒哦推薦

Details

Name in Japanese
柳谷観音 楊谷寺
Postal Code
617-0855
Address
2 Donotani, Jododani, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-956-0017
Closed
Open every day
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
Regular season: 500 yen, during special weeks: 700 yen, free for high school students and younger
※ Annual mountain entry ticket (including special weeks): 3500 yen (available at any time)
Access
From Hankyu Nagaoka-tenjin Station or Nishiyama-tennozan Station, or JR Nagaokakyo Station, take the Hankyu bus to Oku Kaiinji and walk for about 40 minutes
※ On the monthly fair day (17th), there is a shuttle bus from Hankyu Nishiyama-tennozan Station and JR Nagaokakyo Station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)