Ryōzen Kannon Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

🙏 – Ryōzen Kannon Temple (Kyoto, Japan)

There I was—standing beneath the gaze of a gigantic white Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion, towering 80 feet above the city like a silent guardian. 🕊️🇯🇵

The air here feels different. It’s not just the hush of reverence, it’s the weight of memory. This isn’t just a temple—it’s a memorial. A solemn place dedicated to the fallen of World War II, both Japanese and Allied. You feel it the moment you pass through the entrance. 🇯🇵✝️🇺🇸

The incense burns slow, the scent clinging to the warm breeze. You walk softly here, not because someone tells you to, but because your soul just knows to. 🕯️🌬️

Inside the base of the statue, the shrine is filled with memorial tablets and flickering candlelight. There’s a spiritual stillness here—part Buddhist temple, part war memorial, part sacred silence.

⛩️ Outside, the temple grounds open up to reveal sweeping views of Kyoto, tucked between the Higashiyama mountains and the soft echo of bells from nearby shrines. You’re surrounded by history—from Kiyomizudera Temple to the Gion district, yet Ryōzen Kannon stands apart. It feels intensely personal.

It’s not a place for big crowds or selfies. It’s a place to reflect, to pay respect, and to feel something beyond yourself. Whether you're spiritual or just seeking peace, the stillness here resonates deeply.

💠 Believer or not, it’s hard to stand before Kannon’s gaze and not feel seen.

⭐ 5/5 – For peace, perspective, and a reminder that compassion matters. 📸 Tip: Visit at dusk when the shadows fall just right—it’s hauntingly...

The Ryōzen Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) Temple is a war memorial for the dead of the Pacific War located in Eastern Kyoto. The concrete and steel statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara was built by Hirosuke Ishikawa and unveiled on 8 June 1955 （69 years ago). The statue is 24 m high and weighs approximately 500 tons. The shrine beneath the statue contains an image of Bodhisattva Ekādaśamukha and images of the god of wind and god of thunder. After paying the 200 yen entrance fee, visitors can place a stick of incense (given them at the entrance) in a large pot just beyond Kagami Ike (Mirror Pool) Other Buddhist statues and a memorial Buddhist footprint can be found in the garden area of the temple.

I was really touched by visiting the concrete Guanyin and the temple. Don’t forget to take a gorgeous picture at the Kagami Ike (Mirror Pool) A beautiful reflection of Guanyin could be captured in the photo. The clear blue sky and white clouds were so auspiciously bright and exquisite the day we paid the visit to the temple. Visitors minds could be transformed to a state of tranquility by the serenity calmness of the statue and the surrounding nature.

Also visitors can make a wish at the Negai no Tama (Wishing Ball). It is believed that with Guanyin blessing, people wishes may be manifested.

FYI, Kodaiji (高台寺, Kōdaiji) is an outstanding temple in Kyoto Higashiyama district and is located 4 mins walk away from Ryōzen Kannon Temple. There is also a small bamboo grove in the temple ground. Entrance fee is 900...

The Ryozen Kannon Temple was founded in 1955 just ten years after the end of World War II, at a time when the memories of the conflict were still fresh in the minds of many Japanese citizens. The temple was conceived as a Buddhist alternative to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which has been a source of tension due to its enshrinement of convicted war criminals alongside other war dead. What sets Ryozen Kannon apart is its dedication to honoring all victims of the Pacific War, regardless of nationality. This inclusive approach to memorialization was groundbreaking for its time and remains a unique aspect of the temple today. The site contains memorials not only for Japanese soldiers and civilians but also for Allied prisoners of war who perished under Japanese control during the conflict. Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district, the Ryozen Kannon Temple stands as a striking testament to peace and remembrance. This unique Buddhist temple, established in 1955, serves as a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives during the Pacific War. With its towering 24-meter concrete statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, overlooking the grounds, Ryozen Kannon offers visitors a profound space for reflection and contemplation. The temple is located at 526-2 Shimokawahara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0825. Ryozen Kannon is a 10-15 minute walk from Shijo Keihan Station. From Kyoto Station, take bus #206 or #207 to the Gion bus stop and walk...