Imakumano Kannon-ji Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Imakumano Kannon is one of the sub-temples of Sennyu-ji and its official name is Shin-Nachisan Imakumano Kannon-ji. THis temple is the fifteenth temple of the West Japan 33 Kannon Temple Pilgrimage. It is said that the origin of the temple is that Kukai carved a Kannon statue by himself and enshrined it in a hut. But it is also said that it originates from a temple erected by Sadaijin (Minister of the Left) Fujiwarano Otsugu in the period 854-857. The imperial court has reverenced this temple ‘for example, Emperor Gohorikawa was buried here in 1234) so that the temple prospered. The temple is very quiet, and is well-known as a great place to see cuckoos. In the graveyard located behind Hondo (main hall), there are three notable pagodas and it is said that they are the graves of Jien Sojo, Fujiwarano Tadamichi and Fujiwarano Nagaie respectively. The Hondō of the Imakumano Kannon-ji (今熊野観音寺) During the Momiji Season in Kyoto! It was built in 1712, it is in the same location of the original temple built here in 820, which was exactly where the Kumano Gongen appeared to Kōbō Daishi. Because of this, it is said that praying in the Hondō is especially powerful. This temple is also dedicated to Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods; every New Year, pilgrims make a short pilgrimage around the temples on this mountain, each one dedicated to one of the seven lucky gods, to ensure a good start to...

Rakuyo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #19 Imakumano-Kannon-ji Temple I walked out of Zenno-ji Temple and started walking down along an approach between Sen'yu-ji Temple and a bus street. After a few minutes, I found a red arched bridge with many banners flying. All the banners and a couple of signs showed that the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #15 Imakumano-Kannon-ji Temple was over the bridge. Nothing was talking about the Rakuyo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #19 Imakumano-Kannon-ji Temple. It's no use complaining about unfair treatment between the 2 pilgrimage. The Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was the first Kannon Pilgrimage organized in Japan. Most other Kannon Pilgrimages were organized as copies of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. I walked through more banners and arrived at the main hall of the temple, which has enshrined the Eleven-Faced Ekadasamukha statue since the 9th century. According to legend, the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized in the 8th century, and the Rakuyo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage was organized by Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127-1192) as one of the...

I got a guided tour from a local who was very enthusiastic about the spiritual and philosophical purpose of temples. She explained a bit of the history of Kuukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism, whom she called "a cool guy called Kuukai." So I'll never forget his name.

If you go, I definitely suggest reading up on the history so you can...