What other travelers are saying about Ryozen Kannon Temple
I wasn’t going to enter initially but Im glad I did. I found that going up the stairs behind the buddha statue and walking inside to find a dimly lit area filled with more statues related to the zodiac was quote lovely. You can light a candle for ¥50. Also, I spotted a leaf that looked like a squirrel! Then I found a little acorn and placed it near by just incase someone else may notice. The the left rear of the statue just behind the stairs. Look closely, it may still be there 🤣
Ryozen Kannon Temple is a war memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers of all sides of the Pacific War. The temple features a towering 24-meter-high Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Kannon) statue, symbolizing compassion and mercy. It was unveiled in 1955 and built by Hirosuke Ishikawa.
Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the heart of the Kannon statue. Inside, you'll find dark chambers with shrines and altars dedicated to different signs of the zodiac, as well as the large stone footprint of Buddha.
Apart from the Kannon statue, the temple grounds host a memorial to the unknown soldier, a Christian-style chapel with the names of Allied soldiers and POWs who died under Japanese jurisdiction during World War II, and memorial tablets for the two million Japanese who died in World War II. Services are conducted four times a day in memory of the war dead.
Yes, the temple's location in Kyoto's Higashiyama district makes it a convenient stop alongside other cultural landmarks like Maruyama Park, Chionin, Shoren-in, the Ryozen Museum of History, Kodaiji Temple, Gion, Kiyomizudera, and the Okazaki museum district.
While specific photography policies are not explicitly stated, visitors are generally encouraged to be respectful, especially given the somber nature of the memorial. It's advisable to look for signage indicating photography restrictions or ask temple staff for guidance upon arrival.
Very impressive temple. We loved it. It was empty in the morning and we had the opportunity to stay there for a while to enjoy the weather and view. As soon as you enter the temple they give you incense for you to put it in incense burner in front of the giant Bodhisattva on behalf of the unknown soldiers.
This was a really wonderful place. We went early and it was so peaceful. A small entrance fee and they gave us an incense and information guide as we walked around. Very cool.
Huge Buddhist temple and you can see his footprints as well.
Super cool to visit and see, even said a little prayer for me and my family and friends.
No line and 300 yen to get in which is nothing.
I think it is one of the most beautiful and powerful places I have ever been to. And it is not necessarily very new or maintained but it is authentic. They give you candles at the entrance which you can light imnear the base of the Buddha and there is
