Saidaiji Kannon-in

Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple is a Buddhist temple whose main deity is Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva, a compassionate figure known for using her many arms to help all beings in need.

The Legend of Senju Kannon – From the Saidai-ji Engi

In 751, Princess Fujiwara Minataru of Suō Province (now Yamaguchi Prefecture) commissioned a Buddhist sculptor to create a statue of Senju Kannon. However, after she failed to fulfil her promise to the sculptor, he mysteriously vanished. Believing he was a manifestation of the Kannon of Hasedera Temple in Nara, the princess completed the statue and set off by boat to dedicate it in his honour.

As the boat reached Kanaoka in present-day Okayama, it suddenly came to a halt. Miraculously, when the statue was removed, the boat could move again. Taking this as a divine sign that Kannon wished to remain there, the princess built a small hall and enshrined the statue on the spot. Witnesses, overwhelmed by the sacred moment, worshipped the statue even in their bare state.

Over the centuries, the statue endured fire and warfare. In 1299, lightning destroyed the temple, but the head and hands of the statue were miraculously saved and used to reconstruct it. In 1532, during a battle, the statue mysteriously flew to a riverbank, only to be found unharmed days later by villagers.

Each time, the statue returned to its rightful place - strengthening the faith of all who encountered it. Today, Senju Kannon continues to be venerated at Saidaiji Kannon-in as a symbol of compassion and resilience.

Goken-dō (Five-Bay Hall)

The goken-dō is the temple’s main hall (hondō) where the principal deity, Senju Kannon, is enshrined. This massive building took about 18 months to complete. Its roof is among the largest in the prefecture, featuring grand carvings, thick wooden beams, and an exceptionally tall ridge.

The interior is specially designed to accommodate the Eyo Festival (also called 'Sadaka Matsuri' or Naked Festival) - a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The outer hall (gejin) has an open wooden floor, while above the central area of the inner hall (naijin), the Gofuku-mado window allows the sacred treasure wood (shingi) to be dropped during the festival.

Senju Kannon

The principal image is a hidden statue of Senju Kannon. Although it depicts only 42 arms, it symbolises 1,000, as each of the 40 extended arms (excluding the two joined in prayer) is believed to save beings in 25 different realms. Each palm bears an eye, enabling Kannon to see and rescue suffering beings across countless worlds. Its exact origins are unknown, but it dates back to the Edo period.

Senju Kannon is believed to grant benefits such as protection from misfortune, longevity, healing, marital harmony, and success in love. At this temple, the deity is especially revered for safe childbirth; wrapping the mawashi (loincloth) worn during the Eyo festival around one’s belly is said to aid in an easy delivery. 

Guardian Deities

Flanking the principal image are Kōmokuten and Tamonten, two of 'the Four Heavenly Kings' who guard the cardinal directions and uphold Buddhist teachings. Tamonten, the guardian of the north, is also known in Japan as Bishamonten when enshrined alone. Both statues date back to the Edo period.

Behind the main hall, on the East side stands a statue of Fudō Myōō, and on the West side, Aizen Myōō - two of 'the Five Great Wisdom Kings'. These fierce deities protect the Dharma and help practitioners overcome ignorance and obstacles. The Aizen Myōō statue dates to the Edo period. The Fudō Myōō statue, although of unknown creation date, is a valuable piece modeled after Heian period styles.

Temple Founders

Near the main hall is a seated statue of Saint Anryū, the temple’s founder, enshrined alongside Aizen Myōō. This small, 24 cm tall polychrome wooden statue, dating to the late Edo period, depicts a dignified and composed expression.

Also enshrined in this sacred building is a seated statue of Saint Chūa, the founder of the Eyo Festival.

Other Sacred Sites within the Precincts

Putuo Nanhai Kannon 

In 2001, Saidaiji Kannon-in received a replica of the 33 m gold statue of Nanhai Kannon from China's Putuo Mountain Buddhist Association. This statue is one-tenth the size of its original counterpart . The statue is prominently displayed within the temple grounds, It’s officially designated as Site #2 on the local "108 Kannon Pilgrimage" route, and Saidaiji temple serves as #1 of the China-wide Kannon pilgrimage circuit.

Goōsho-den Complex

The Goōsho-den is a registered cultural property made up of several traditional buildings, including the worship hall, main hall, and the inner sanctuary (okuden) located just to the north. The halls are beautifully crafted in classic Edo-period style, with rare roofing features unique in Japan.

The complex enshrines Goōsho Daigongen as its central deity, along with Konpira Daigongen, and Shōmen Kongō, a guardian figure believed to protect against epidemics.

Goōsho Daigongen represents the Five Great Wisdom Kings (Go-Dai Myōō) of Buddhist tradition but is worshipped here in a Shinto–Buddhist syncretic form known as Gongen (manifestation). They are collectively revered under this name. Konpira Daigongen is understood as the manifestation (Gongen) of the Shinto kami worshipped at Kotohira Shrine (Konpira Shrine) in Kagawa Prefecture, closely associated with maritime safety and prosperity. The title “Daigongen” reflects the fusion of Shinto kami and Buddhist bodhisattva concepts, a common practice during Japan’s Edo period. Shōmen Kongō is a fierce and protective deity in both Japanese folk religion and Buddhism.

In 2010, a large white jade statue of Monju Bosatsu, the Buddha of wisdom, was donated. Many visitors now come here to pray for academic success and passing exams.

Inari Shrine

Originally built in 1935 as a hōanden (a prewar educational monument housing the Imperial portrait), this building was donated to Saidaiji Elementary School. After World War II, it was relocated to Saidaiji Temple to avoid demolition and repurposed as an Inari Shrine. Unlike other hōanden constructed in Western styles, this structure follows traditional Shinto architecture, which helped ensure its preservation and reuse.

Yakushi-dō (Medicine Buddha Hall)

After the main hall burned down in 1854, the Yakushi Hall from Jōju-ji Temple in Okayama’s Kubo area was moved to Saidaiji Temple as a temporary hall for the Eyo Festival. The hall was rebuilt in the 1960s with support from patrons, and the Yakushi Nyorai statue was enshrined there, continuing to inspire devotion. Yakushi Nyorai is believed to relieve all suffering through his twelve great vows.

Ema-dō (Votive Horse Hall)

The Ema-dō houses two horse figures. In Japanese tradition, a black horse symbolizes prayers for rain, while a white horse symbolizes prayers for the rain to stop. These sacred horses were dedicated in early August 1856 and were crafted by skilled artisans from the Bingo region.

Mizuko Jizō (Koyasu Jizō)

Mizuko Jizō guides the spirits of unborn children to rebirth, using his shakujo staff to ward off demons and grant wisdom. The Jizō statue holding a child, known as Koyasu Jizō and located within the temple precincts, protects pregnant women, ensures safe delivery, and blesses conception and child growth.

Shōrōmon Gate & Korean Bell

The Shōrōmon Gate is a finely crafted 18th-century bell tower gate in irimoya-zukuri (hip-and-gable) style, featuring detailed joinery and a double-eaved roof. It dates from the Enpō era (1673–1681), alongside the Nio Gate and Daishi Hall.

The Korean Bell housed here is a National Important Cultural Property from the early Goryeo period (10th–11th century).

Senju-in

Senju-in was once one of many branch temples of Saidaiji. Today, Senju-in remains the only surviving branch temple and now operates as an independent religious corporation known as a “training hall for memorial services”. Historically, it served as a place for the activities of faith groups and as a venue for funeral ceremonies.

In 2003, Senju-in welcomed a 2.5-meter seated statue of Senju Kannon from Mount Putuo in China. Following this, the temple hall was named Senju-dō, marking its revitalisation and renewed purpose. The ceiling of Senju-dō features 198 painted panels, created by 124 artists through a public art contest. This building was constructed in 1925.

Kōsodō (Founder’s Hall)

Also known as the Miedo (“Image Hall”), this building enshrines Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The wooden statue of Kōbō Daishi was carved in 1675, and both the statue and the shrine that houses it date to the same period.

Built in traditional Japanese (wayō) architectural style, the hall features deep eaves and decorative carvings, giving it a calm and balanced appearance. Originally located near the sutra repository, it was built during the Enpō era (1673–1675) and underwent a major renovation in 1780. It is now recognised as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Three-Story Pagoda (Sanju-no-tō)

An Okayama Prefectural Important Cultural Property built in 1678, this pagoda combines traditional Japanese (wayō) and Zen (zenshūyō) architectural styles. It is admired for its balanced form and classical proportions.

Inside, the central pillar (shinbashira) symbolizes Shingon Buddhism’s devotion to Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha and principal deity of the sect.

At the base of the pagoda, visitors can walk around the Buddha’s Footprint Stones on all four sides to receive blessings for the health of the legs and lower back.

Hexagonal Sutra Repository (Rokkaku Kyōzō)

A Registered Tangible Cultural Property built in 1854, this rare hexagonal sutra repository combines a hexagonal exterior with an octagonal interior, featuring traditional Japanese tiled roofing and a two-tier circular platform.

The rotating sutra shelf, made in 1805 by Tokuda Tasaburō, allows devotees to gain merit by spinning it, symbolically reciting all sutras.

Inside, a replica of the Kumano Kanshin Jikkai Mandala is displayed, representing the Ten Worlds and the path to Buddhahood.

Kitamuki Jizō (North-Facing Jizō)

Based on scripture, this Jizō statue grants peace, longevity, and rebirth benefits when venerated facing north. It is enshrined with a Senju Kannon statue donated from Mount Putuo. Nearby stone monuments honour Edo-period figures like Tamanomori Daikichi, who legend says saved the temple bell from fire.

Stone Gate and Purification Site (Ishimon / Kori-toriba)

Built in 1819, this Registered Tangible Cultural Property is formally known as Ryūshōrō (“Dragon Bell Tower”). It was built by the monk Shōō and features a rare two-story structure with a stone base and wooden upper floor, coated in white plaster with red eaves - resembling the legendary Dragon Palace (Ryūgūjō). Originally, a large bronze bell hung here until it was moved during the Meiji period; it is now housed in the Shōrōmon.

In front of the gate stands a torii (shinto gate) and the Kori-toriba (ritual purification site), a sacred site where participants in the Eyo Festival perform cold-water purification rituals during the two weeks leading up to the event.

The nearby Mizukōri Kannon statue symbolises purification and the washing away of suffering.

Gofuku-shōrai Shrine for Traffic Safety

This unique five-sided shrine, inspired by the five blessings (Gofuku) celebrated at the Eyo Festival, is dedicated to local traffic safety. It’s the only shrine in Japan with this design.

Made from Mannari-ishi granite, shaped like cherry blossoms, each of the shrine’s five faces enshrines a different deity representing blessings:

• Senju Kannon - Traffic Safety
• Gogyokusho Daigongen - Household Safety
• Konpira Daigongen - Protection from Misfortune
• Shōmen Kongō - Recovery from Epidemics
• Monju Bosatsu - Success in Exams

Visitors are encouraged to bow, make a clockwise circuit, and listen to the five blessing bells (fuku-suzu) to receive their benefits.

Niōmon Gate

One of the largest two-story rōmon gates in the prefecture, the Niōmon features a san-gen ikko layout (three bays wide, one bay deep), blending traditional Wayō (Japanese) and Zen architectural styles. The name Niōmon literally means "Gate of the Two Kings", referring to the two fierce guardian deities enshrined at its sides: the Niō, also known as Kongōrikishi).

Its richly decorated brackets include carvings of the twelve zodiac animals, and it is guarded by imposing Kongōrikishi statues. The rare onigawara (demon tiles) roof tiles bear a restoration date of 1770 and feature uniquely long, spiralling ridge-end crests.

Originally constructed in 1740, the gate is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.