Yokawa Jōkō-in

Yokawa Jōkō-in is a Buddhist temple in Sakamotohonmachi on Mount Hiei that houses a standing statue of Shokannon, designated as an Important Cultural Property. The structure was rebuilt in 1971 following a lightning strike and forms part of the larger Enryaku-ji complex.

The temple traces its founding to 850 when monk Jikaku-daishi established Shuryogon-in. The current building rose after lightning destroyed the previous structure in the mid-20th century, connecting ancient tradition with contemporary craftsmanship.

This temple forms part of the New Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage circuit and represents ongoing Tendai Buddhist practices in the region. Visitors can observe how pilgrims interact with the space and how local devotion continues to shape daily activities here.

Visitors reach the temple via Cable Enryakuji Station, which connects to major transportation hubs from Kyoto and Osaka. The hilltop location means sturdy footwear and time to rest between exploring different areas are advisable.

The Shokannon statue is known among artists and religious practitioners for its unusual iconographic rendering. Few visitors notice the subtle details of its execution on first encounter.