羽賀寺, Buddhist temple in Obama, Japan.
This temple sits at the foot of a hill and houses a main hall containing several Buddhist statues carved from Japanese cypress wood. The interior displays the craftsmanship and religious artworks that have been preserved across centuries.
The temple was founded in 716 by priest Gyoki following Empress Gensho's decree. The current main hall dates from 1447 and represents the structure that remained after several reconstructions over time.
The central statue of eleven-headed Kannon shows the fine craftsmanship of Japanese sculptors from the early 10th century. Visitors can admire this intricately carved wooden figure, which remains in its original form today.
The temple is located about 3.5 kilometers northeast of Obama station and can be reached by bicycle or car along a local road. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a short walk to the entrance.
The temple is part of the Hachikaji group, a collection of eight ancient temples in Obama that hold national or prefectural cultural designations. Together with the other seven temples, it forms an important religious network in the region.
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