Chichibu Fudasho No.21 Kannon-ji Temple
This site was originally part of a Hachiman Shrine’s grounds. It became a Kannon sacred site after receiving a divine message and is also called Ya-no-do, which means “Hall of Arrow.”
The current Main Hall is small, but the original building was said to be much larger. In 1923, a fire at a nearby elementary school spread and damaged the area. The following year, the hall was rebuilt by relocating an abandoned temple from a neighboring town, forming what is now the current Kannon Hall.
The principal statue miraculously survived the fire and is believed to protect against fire, which is why it is also called the “Fire-Protection Kannon.”
Chichibu Fudasho No.21 Kannon-ji Temple
- Japanese / English notation
- 要光山 観音寺（ようこざん かんのんじ）/ Yoko-Zan Kannon-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒368-0056 Terao2354,chichibu-shi,Saitama
- School
- Shingon School, Buzan Sect
- Principal Image
- Sho Kannon (Sacred Kannon)
- Tagline
- A Protective Temple That Wards Off Misfortune and Brings Happiness
- Blessings
- Fire Safety
- Family Safety
- Misfortune Prevention and Good Fortune
- Highlights
- Hokyointo: This is a memorial tower dated 1764, housing the sutra called Hokyoin Dharani.
- Monkey Charm: This is a large doll at the pilgrimage stamp office. People touch it to pray for safe childbirth and the healthy growth of children.
- Miracles of Kannon at This Temple
- The Origin of Ya-no-do
Long ago, to calm the evil thoughts and spirits in this land, the gods of Hachiman and Mt. Buko combined their powers and shot an arrow to defeat them. The arrow became a temple treasure. The site then came to be called Ya-no-do, which means “Hall of Arrow.”
- Nearest station
- 30-minutes walk from Chichibu Railway Oonohara Station.