Kitamuki-kan'non, Buddhist temple in Bessho Onsen, Japan.
Kitamuki-kan'non is a Buddhist temple in the Bessho Onsen district of Ueda, surrounded by smaller shrines and stone pagodas. The main hall opens to the north toward the mountains rather than south as is typical, and houses a gilded Kannon figure inside.
The monk Ennin founded the temple in 825 as part of a broader religious movement through the region. After several fires, the present building rose in 1721 and retained the old northward alignment.
The name translates to North-facing Kannon and refers to the unusual orientation of the main hall toward another temple complex about 50 miles away. Worshippers visit to pray before the Kannon statue, believing that honoring her from this spot brings blessings for this life while also preparing for spiritual merit at the distant sanctuary.
Visitors can explore the grounds during daylight hours and walk freely through the courtyard, with a short set of steps leading up to the main hall. The inner area stays quiet and you often find a monk or attendant available to issue temple seals or answer questions.
An old Aizen-katsura tree grows on the grounds and draws couples who pray for harmony in their relationships. During certain ceremonies, monks light outdoor fire rituals that visitors can watch.
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