YANAGIDANI KANNON
(YOKUKUJI)
柳谷観音
Yanagidani Kannon 柳谷観音
Yokokuji, or more commonly known by it’s nickname as Yanaganidani Kannon, is a temple of the Seizan Jodo sect. The temple is known for its magical water well and the lovely hydrangea on its grounds that are in bloom during summer. The death of its founder is celebrated on the 17th of each month.
According to folklore, Enchin, the founder of Kiyomizudera Temple, established this temple in 806. It is said to have started when he found a statue of the Juichimen Senju Sengan Kannon Bosatsu, or the Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy, based on information he received in a dream and built a hall to enshrine it in this area.
The temple has a network of prayer halls which are interconnected between that create a complex maze. Visitors continue up a steep and winding covered staircase that climbs the hillside which is lined with hydrangea which typically bloom in June.
At the top of the long staircase is the Kamishoin, which was once a designated study room for elites during the Meiji era (1868-1912). In present days this room is open to he public.
The spectacular garden adjacent to the main prayer hall is known as "Jodoen". It was created in the middle of the Edo period and is a scenic spot designated by Kyoto Prefecture. It contains a grouping of large boulders which represent the thirteen forms of the Buddha.
This garden can be seen from multiple viewpoint which makes it an interesting space to inhabit. This temple complex is really a hidden gem as it is never mentioned in any tourism advertising and as such is typically very quiet.