Kannon-ji, Buddhist temple in Kyōtanabe, Japan
Kannon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyōtanabe composed of several buildings with a main hall displaying a national treasure statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon in traditional style. The complex belongs to the Chizan School of Pure Land Buddhism and remains an active place of worship for the local community.
The temple was founded during the Nara period and later revived in the Tenpyo era, surviving multiple fires throughout its long history. Each time it burned, community support and rebuilding efforts ensured its continued importance to the region.
The temple houses a national treasure statue carved from wood using dry lacquer technique, showing the Eleven-faced Kannon with exceptional detail and skill. Visitors can see how this sculpture reflects the religious beliefs and artistic mastery of its time.
The temple is located in Kyōtanabe and is an active worship site with traditional buildings you can explore at a relaxed pace. Remember that it is still a living place of prayer, so be respectful of any ongoing ceremonies or quiet spaces.
Despite suffering severe fires multiple times, this temple was always rebuilt through the help of powerful supporters, most notably the Fujiwara clan. This resilience shows how important places were restored again and again through centuries of devotion.
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