A Pilgrimage to 88 Faces of Kannon
Prayer Course
Around in Two Days and One Night!
This is a course for people who want to visit eight temples in two days and one night, and pray to 88 faces of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. You will visit five temples in northern Nara Prefecture on the first day, and three temples in southern Nara Prefecture on the second day, making it a pilgrimage to the Eleven-Faced Kannon at each of the eight temples. In addition, as documentation that you met the Eleven-Faced Kannon, you will receive a special “88 Faces of Kannon Pilgrimage” stamp at each temple, so please savor the joy of praying at all of these sites.
1day※Please inquire with the temple to check if the Eleven-Faced Kannon is on public display.
※The schedule is just for reference. Please be sure to check the times and conditions of your intended transportation in advance.
※If there are any time changes due to your health, the weather, traffic accidents, or how long you spend at a facility,
please visit these places at your own pace and try not to over-do it.
1
Horinji Temple
It is said that Prince Shotoku carved this from a sacred tree.
Horinji Temple is an ancient temple established in the Asuka period, located in an older part of Ikaruga Town. The name of this area is “Mi-i”, but is also called “Mi-dera”. It is said that Prince Shotoku carved this Eleven-Faced Kannon from a sacred tree.
2
Daianji Temple
Revered as the Buddha that prevents and treats cancer.
Daian-ji Temple is an ancient temple in Nara City, and one of the seven great temples of the southern capital. The Eleven-Faced Kannon in the Main Hall is believed by many to be the Buddha that prevents and treats cancer.
3
Saidaiji Temple
The gentle appearance of this Fujiwara era carving will soothe your mind.
Saidaiji Temple is an ancient temple that was established by Empress Shotoku. The Eleven-Faced Kannon here is a Fujiwara era carving that was made in the late Heian period, and it has a nice, gentle appearance. It soothes the mind of anyone who looks at it.
4
Kairyuoji Temple
The glowing, cool beauty of the Kamakura period.
Kairyuoji Temple is an ancient temple with a history as an imperial temple inside Heijokyu Imperial Palace. There is a beautiful, glowing Eleven-Faced Kannon enshrined in the main hall that was built by a monk from the Kei School of Buddhist sculpture.
5
Hokkeji Imperial Convent
It was made to depict the compassionate face of Empress Komyo.
Hokkeji Imperial Convent was established by Empress Komyo, and is the head of all imperial convents. It is said that the Eleven-Faced Kannon deity enshrined in the Main Hall was carved by the most skillful Buddhist sculptor in India, and depicts Empress Komyo.
2day※Please inquire with the temple to check if the Eleven-Faced Kannon is on public display.
※The schedule is just for reference. Please be sure to check the times and conditions of your intended transportation in advance.
※If there are any time changes due to your health, the weather, traffic accidents, or how long you spend at a facility, please visit these
places at your own pace and try not to over-do it.
6
Murouji Temple
Its deeply affectionate expression adds a feminine warmth to the air.
Muroji Temple has long been worshipped as a Shingon Buddhist temple open to females. This Eleven-Faced Kannon has warm, feminine air that comes from its rouge colored lips and other attributes.
7
Hasedera Temple
A miracle-working Kannon that is over ten meters tall.
Hasedera Temple is an ancient temple in a place surrounded deep in the mountains. This Eleven-Faced Kannon is over ten meters tall, and is the largest wooden one of its kind in Japan. Visitors come from across the country, as it is the fundamental image of the Buddha for the Hase faith, a faith that has spread across Japan.
8
Shorinji Temple
A beauty that captivated Fenollosa and Okakura Tenshin.
Shorinji Temple is an ancient temple established as a branch temple of Tanzan-jinja Shrine. This Eleven-Faced Kannon is very beautiful, so much so that both Fenollosa and Okakura Tenshin were great admirers.
