Founded in 806 when Kukai perceived a dragon washing its eyes at a sacred spring; this mountain temple has been revered for curing eye ailments since the Heian aristocracy, and its photogenic flower water basins and autumn foliage now draw a new generation of worshippers.
Founded
806
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
Bus from Hankyu Nagaoka-Tenjin Station (limited service; taxi recommended)
A Seizan Jodo temple founded by Kukai in 806, affectionately known as "Yanagidani Kannon." Based on the legend that Kukai perceived the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kanzeon Bosatsu after seeing a dragon wash its eyes at a sacred spring, the temple is renowned for healing eye ailments. Many visitors come on the monthly fair held on the 17th. The grounds are celebrated for their floral water basins a…
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Origins
The temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 806 by the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi), who perceived the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kanzeon Bosatsu after witnessing a dragon washing its eyes at a sacred spring. From this origin, the site has long been revered as a sacred place for t…
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Matchmaking
Safe Childbirth & Fertility
Warding Off Evil
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.