Usami Kannonji — Attraction in Ito

This is a fascinating place and it's well worth a visit. But please check the opening hours as it is currently closed except on Saturday and Sunday. I also strongly recommend that you avoid the walking route as directed by Google Maps. This track is overgrown, abandoned and dangerous. There have been a lot of landslides, and there are many rocks and fallen trees blocking the way. Also, don't try to walk the driving route as recommended by Google Maps either as it is dangerous for pedestrians. The road can be very busy, and there are no dedicated walkways. It is also mostly unlit with many deep curves and narrow sections. Therefore, I recommend getting a taxi. There are often taxis waiting to be hired directly outside Usami station main entrance. There is also a taxi office about 50 metres towards the ocean from Usami Station main entrance. It's on the right. Today, a taxi cost me 1700 yen one way from the station to the Kannon. It's worth it. When you alight from the taxi make sure that you take the taxi office number, or arrange with the driver for them to pick you up again about an hour later. This is because the Kannon is far from any shops or facilities. And you should avoid walking back if possible. Remember that the site is high up on an exposed hillside, so it can be very windy. So, please take adequate clothing and a drink and a snack. The actual place is fascinating. There is no entrance fee. but plenty of donation boxes scattered about the place. There are good views looking back to the ocean. There are seven big stone dwarfs that you can touch for good luck. The place looks a little neglected and abandoned, but there are still people managing it. So, leave a few yen in one of the collection boxes, and say a little prayer for world peace or whatever. I hope you enjoy your visit and my...

Impressive! Located in the city of Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, the Usami Kannon (aka The Great Kannon of World Peace) is 164 feet tall and sits on a hill overlooking the city. You can see her from the beach. I admit, being in close proximity to something so big and it looking like she does, it was almost eerie. LOVED IT! While I didn't do an exact count, there looks to be over a 100 statues along the path leading to the Kannon, possibly protecting the Kannon?? You will also find here the Seven Lucky Gods/Seven Gods of Fortune. Definitely a...

カーブ途中にチラッチラッと視界にはいる観音様。東伊豆方面は仕事やプライベートも亀石峠で行く事が多かった。お寺さんがあるのは 知っていたが今回は久しぶりのせいか？やけに寂れた感もあり後続車もなかったので行ってみました。 (ヘアピン途中に出入口あり)

当日猛暑でとても散策する余裕もなくお寺さんは訪れなかった。 知ってる方もいると思うが廃墟専門誌「ワンダージャパン」にあと５年もすれば載りそうな雰囲気。 今って廃屋をリニューアルして古民家カフェとかすごく多い。こういう廃業したお店も廃墟さをのこしつつのリファイン？でカフェとかやってくれたらなあと思う事がある。

次回はお寺さん行ってみよう。 大きすぎる事もあってか人の気配がなかった。同じ敷地内な感じも受ける、もしかしたらこの廃レストランはお寺さんのモノだったのかな？

09/18...