Tsukannon Temple (Enichizan Kannonji Daihoin)

This historic temple is said to have been founded in 709, and its official name is “Enichizan (Enichizan) Kannonji Daihoin.” Locals have long affectionately called it “Kannon-san.” The principal image, “Sho Kannon Bosatsu,” is known as “Tsukannon,” and is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon temples alongside Tokyo’s “Asakusa Kannon” and Aichi’s “Osu Kannon.” It is said to bring a wide range of blessings, including good fortune and success in business.

The grounds also enshrine “Kokufu Amida Nyorai,” said to be a Buddha form of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess from Japanese mythology. It is usually not open to the public, but you can view it on special occasions, such as the monthly temple fair on the 18th and during the first three days of the New Year.

The temple hosts many annual events, and the “Oni-osae Setsubun” held every year on February 3 is especially well known. It began when a Kannon statue said to hold spiritual power was protected from an oni to keep the subdued oni—restrained by the power of Sho Kannonzeon Bosatsu—from running wild. Today, as a Shinto-style rite, a large-scale “fukumame” bean-throwing ceremony is held. The “Tsukannon Museum,” where around 600 valuable cultural properties such as Buddhist paintings and ancient documents are displayed on an ongoing basis, is also well worth a visit.

Located in a bustling downtown area and easy to access, it’s a great place to stop by.