Located in Fukuchiyama, Tanshu Kannon-ji Temple was founded in 720 by the Indian monk Hodo. In 961 the monk Kuya built the seven temple buildings (a formation known as shichido garan), and it became the center of worship of the bodhisattva Kannon in the Tamba area, reaching a peak in the Kamakura period (1192-1333). Today there are around 3,600 pieces of historical writings and teachings in the temple, which are designated cultural properties of Kyoto Prefecture.
Tanshu Kannon-ji Temple's eleven-faced Kannon statue is famous for healing, and granting good fortune and road safety. In the temple gardens, there are cherry blossoms in the beginning of April, hydrangea in June, colorful leaves in late autumn and wintersweets from January to February, filling the temple with different colors throughout the year. Tanshu-Kannonji Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple, and from June to July there are over 10,000 hydrangea flowers of 100 types blossoming in white, blue, purple and pink. On the 4th Sunday in June every year there is also a Hydrangea Festival, which is held with a series of events including the Buddhist preaching of the monks, and attracts many people each year.
- Address
- 1067 Kannonji, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access
- Train: 15 minute walk from JR Isa Station
From JR Fukuchiyama Station or Ayabe Station, take a bus for 15 minutes bus "Kannonji" bus stop, and walk for 10 minutes.
Car: From Maizuru Wakasa Expressway, get off at Fukuchiyama Interchange and drive 5 minutes towards Ayabe.
From Kinki Expressway, head towards Maizuru, get off at the Fukuchiyama Interhange and head east for 5 minutes.
Located in the middle of line Kyoto Prefectural Road 8 between Fukuchiyama City and Ayabe City. - Business Hours
- 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Parking
- Space for regular-sized vehicles: 100 (Price: Free)
Space for large vehicles: 10 (Price: Free)