Kōgen-ji, Buddhist temple in Nagahama, Japan.
Kōgen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nagahama that houses a wooden statue of the Eleven-Faced Kannon, carved from a single cypress log. The statue displays detailed facial features and flowing robes carved with careful precision.
The temple was founded in 736 during a disease outbreak, when monk Taicho carved the statue as a response to the crisis. Over centuries, it became an established place of worship drawing seekers of healing.
The temple centers on devotion to the Eleven-Faced Kannon, a deity embodying compassion and protection. Visitors today still come to pray before this figure, seeking blessings and healing.
The temple sits about ten minutes on foot from Takatsuki Station, making it accessible by a short walk. Daytime visits work best, as access patterns may vary seasonally and it is good to arrive while light is available.
The Eleven-Faced Kannon statue is one of only seven National Treasure designations of this type in Japan, reflecting exceptional craftsmanship and preservation. This rare status draws art enthusiasts and history seekers who recognize its place in the nation's cultural legacy.
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