Koa Kannon, Buddhist statue on Mount Izu in Atami, Japan
Koa Kannon is a Buddhist statue located at the summit of Mount Izu, depicting the bodhisattva of compassion with its gaze directed toward China. The figure stands within temple grounds that occupy the mountain top, visible from various vantage points around the site.
General Iwane Matsui commissioned the monument in 1940 using clay sourced from multiple battlefields of the Sino-Japanese War. A stone memorial was added in 1959 by then Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida.
The temple welcomes visitors of all faiths to observe or participate in worship rituals that happen throughout the year. The space around the statue feels open and inviting, creating a shared place for personal reflection regardless of one's background.
The easiest approach starts from JR Atami Station with a bus to the Koa Kannon stop, then a walk up to the temple grounds. Sturdy footwear helps since the path slopes upward and can become slippery when wet.
The statue contains the ashes of seven individuals from World War II, making it a place of personal remembrance rather than just a monument. Visitors often discover this meaningful detail only when reading the explanatory plaques on site.
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