An ancient Tendai temple founded in 824 by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the 12th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.\nOfficially Karin-zan Jionji, it possesses extensive grounds in Iwatsuki Ward.\nThe main hall enshrines Senju Kannon and welcomes many pilgrims as an important pilgrimage station.\nThe Genjo Sanzo Pagoda is a 13-tier stone tower housing relics of Xuanzang (the monk from Journey to the West),\ncontaining precious remains shared from Nanjing in 1950.\nThe spacious grounds are colored by seasonal flowers, with spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage being especially beautiful.\nThe Kongo Rikishi statues in the Niomon gate are Kamakura-period works of powerful form.\nNumerous stone Buddhist statues line the grounds, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient temple.\nThe annual May 5 "Genjo Festival" holds a memorial service honoring the virtues of the Tripitaka Master Xuanzang.\nLocated in a corner of Iwatsuki's historic temple district, it can be visited together with sightseeing in Iwatsuki, the city of dolls.