Complete Guide to Anaoji Temple | A Thorough Explanation of the History, Nadeshiko Buddha, and Scenic Garden of the 21st Temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage
Anaoji Temple is an ancient Tendai sect temple located in Anao Higashitsuji, Sogabe-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture. As the 21st temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, it attracts many pilgrims and boasts a history of over 1300 years. It features numerous attractions, including the legend of the “Substitute Kannon,” the “Nadeshiko Buddha” known for its healing properties, and a beautiful garden designated as a scenic spot by Kyoto Prefecture.
This article comprehensively explains everything you need to know before visiting Anaoji Temple, from its history and highlights to cultural assets, annual events, and access information.
Basic Information about Anaoji Temple
Official Name: Bodaisan Anaoji Temple
Sect: Tendai Sect
Mountain Name: Bodaisan
Principal Image: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
Pilgrimage Site Principal Image: Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Sho Kannon)
Founder: Otomo no Komaro
Established: Keiun 2 (705)
Pilgrimage Site: 21st of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, 127th of the Shinto-Buddhist Pilgrimage Association (47th in Kyoto)
Address: 46 Anao Higashitsuji, Sogabe-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
Waka Poem: “Ten voices, one voice (even in this day and age), crushing sins, how joyful, the Buddha’s vow, how reliable it is.”
History of Anaoji Temple
Origin of the Temple
According to the “Anōji Kannon Engi” (History of the Kannon of Anōji Temple), compiled in 1450, Anōji Temple was founded in 705 by Ōtomo no Komaro at the behest of Emperor Monmu. In the early Nara period, there was a great expectation of Buddhism’s power to heal illnesses, and a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) was enshrined as the temple’s principal image.
The fact that it was established as an imperial temple by Emperor Monmu reflects the historical context of the time, when the imperial court prayed for national peace and the health of the people through the power of Buddhism.
Development in the Heian Period
During the Heian period, Uji Miyanari, the district magistrate of Sogabe-gō, welcomed the statue of Shō Kannon Bodhisattva, the principal image of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage sites. This statue of Kannon became widely known as the “Substitute Kannon,” and its reputation as a sacred site dedicated to Kannon by the end of the Heian period is confirmed by its inclusion in the *Konjaku Monogatari-shu* (Tales of Times Now Past).
The Legend of the Substitute Kannon
The statue of Kannon at Anao-ji Temple is associated with the famous legend of the “Substitute Kannon.”
Long ago, a Buddhist sculptor was commissioned to create a statue of Kannon. After its completion, the client failed to pay the promised fee and instead attempted to kill the sculptor. The legend says that the Kannon statue, acting as a substitute for the sculptor, took the arrow, saving his life. Witnessing this miracle, the client deeply repented and is said to have devoted himself wholeheartedly to Buddhism thereafter.
This legend is included in Volume 16 of the *Konjaku Monogatari-shu*, “The Story of the Kannon Assistant Monk at Anao-ji Temple in Tanba Province,” indicating that Anao-ji Temple was already a widely known sacred site by the end of the Heian period.
Destruction and Reconstruction Due to War
Anōji Temple was repeatedly destroyed by war after its founding. Especially during the Sengoku period (Warring States period), the Tanba region became a battleground, including the invasion of Akechi Mitsuhide, resulting in the loss of many temple buildings.
The current temple buildings were rebuilt from the mid to late Edo period, with the main hall and other major structures dating from this time. Thanks to the Edo period reconstruction, Anōji Temple regained its former grandeur and continues to function as an important pilgrimage site on the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage to this day.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds
Main Hall
The main hall of Anōji Temple, rebuilt in the mid-Edo period, is characterized by its imposing presence. Several important Buddhist statues are enshrined within the main hall.
Principal Image: Yakushi Nyorai Statue
The principal image, a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, is enshrined as a hidden Buddha within the shrine of the main hall. This statue is usually not open to the public, but is sometimes unveiled during special religious ceremonies.
Principal Image of the Temple: Holy Kannon Bodhisattva
The Holy Kannon statue, the principal image of the 33 temples of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, is revered as the aforementioned “substitute Kannon.” This Kannon statue is considered a miraculous Buddha that saved the life of its sculptor, and is the object of worship for many visitors.
The “Nade-butsu” (Shakyamuni Nirvana Statue)
The most eye-catching object for visitors inside the main hall is the wooden Shakyamuni Nirvana statue, commonly known as the “Nade-butsu,” believed to be a work from the Muromachi period.
This Nirvana statue is a life-sized wooden carving, and has a black sheen from years of being stroked by worshippers. It is covered with a blanket, and it is believed that stroking the same part of the statue as the part of one’s own body that is ailing, and then stroking one’s own body in return, will bring healing.
This “Nade-butsu” is famous as an object of worship for healing various illnesses, and many worshippers come from far and wide. The sight of people suffering from illness and their families visiting the temple in desperation, clinging to any hope they can find, embodies the spirit of Buddhist compassion.
Anao-ji Temple Garden (Kyoto Prefecture Designated Place of Scenic Beauty)
The Anao-ji Temple garden is a pond-centered garden believed to have been created at the end of the Muromachi period and is designated as a cultural property (place of scenic beauty) of Kyoto Prefecture. Known as one of the famous gardens of Tanba, it is also called “Tanba’s Moss Temple.”
Garden Features
The garden spreads out to the south of the main hall and is centered around a pond. It is believed to have been renovated in the mid-Edo period, and presents a beautiful landscape that showcases the pinnacle of garden design techniques of the time.
Skillfully placed stonework surrounds the pond, and artificial hills and plantings are arranged in exquisite balance. The beauty of the moss is particularly magnificent, with a green carpet covering the entire garden, creating a world of tranquility and wabi-sabi (a Japanese aesthetic concept).
Beauty in Every Season
The garden displays different expressions throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowscapes in winter. Visitors can enjoy different charms depending on the time of year. The autumn foliage season, in particular, offers a breathtaking view of the leaves reflected in the pond.
The garden is best viewed from the veranda of the main hall, creating a truly Zen-like space where one can feel the wabi-sabi aesthetic in tranquility.
Pagoda
A pagoda also stands within the temple grounds, adding to the beauty of Anao-ji Temple’s landscape. The pagoda is a characteristic building of esoteric Buddhist temples, reflecting Anao-ji Temple’s character as a Tendai sect temple.
Other Temple Facilities
The temple grounds also contain buildings such as the Niomon Gate, bell tower, and kitchen, preserving the architectural style of Edo period temples. Stone Buddhas and stone pagodas are also placed throughout the grounds, creating an atmosphere befitting a temple with a long history.
Cultural Properties
Anao-ji Temple houses numerous cultural properties.
Kyoto Prefecture Designated Cultural Properties
- Anao-ji Temple Garden (Scenic Spot): A pond garden created in the late Muromachi period.
- Main Hall: A building from the mid-Edo period.
Temple Treasures
- Wooden Standing Statue of Sho Kannon Bodhisattva (Pilgrimage Site Principal Image): A hidden Buddha known as the substitute Kannon.
- Wooden Statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Principal Image): Enshrined as a hidden Buddha within the main hall’s shrine.
- Wooden Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nirvana: A work from the Muromachi period, revered as a “stroking Buddha.”
- Anao-ji Temple Kannon Engi (History of Kannon): A historical record compiled in the second year of the Hōtoku era (1450).
These cultural properties are valuable historical materials that tell the story of Anao-ji Temple’s long history and the depth of its faith.
Annual Events
Anao-ji Temple holds various Buddhist events throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
- January 1st-3rd: Shushō-e (New Year’s Buddhist Service)
- February 3rd: Setsubun-e (Bean-Throwing Festival)
- Spring Equinox: Spring Equinox Service
- April 8th: Hana Matsuri (Buddha’s Birthday Celebration)
- August 9th: Sennichi-e (Thousand-Day Service): Visiting the temple on this day is said to bring the blessings of a thousand days.
- Autumn Equinox: Autumn Equinox Service
- December 31st: New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing
The Sennichi-e, in particular, is considered an important event in the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage and attracts many worshippers.
Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
As the 21st Temple
Anōji Temple, as the 21st temple of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, has welcomed many pilgrims since ancient times. The Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage is considered Japan’s oldest pilgrimage route, a journey of faith where one accumulates merit by relying on the compassion of Kannon Bodhisattva.
Waka Poem
The waka poem of Anao-ji Temple is: “Even on this day, my sins are crushed, how joyful is the Buddha’s vow, how reliable it is!” (Ten syllables, one syllable). This poem expresses the reliability of the Buddha’s vow and gratitude to Kannon Bodhisattva for crushing sins.
Preceding and Following Temples
- Temple No. 20: Zenpo-ji Temple (Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Temple No. 21: Anao-ji Temple (Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Temple No. 22: Soji-ji Temple (Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture)
When undertaking the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, visiting these temples in order will allow for a deeper spiritual experience.
Access
Access by Train and Bus
By JR:
- Get off at Kameoka Station on the JR Sanin Main Line (Sagano Line)
- Take the Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus bound for “Anataji Loop” or “Anataji-mae” from the north exit of Kameoka Station (approx. 20 minutes)
- Get off at the “Anataji-mae” bus stop and it’s a short walk.
Travel Time from Kyoto City:
- Approximately 20 minutes by rapid train or 30 minutes by local train from JR Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station
Access by Car
Using the Kyoto Jukan Expressway:
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Kameoka IC on the Kyoto Jukan Expressway
Parking:
- Free parking available on the temple grounds (approx. 30 spaces for regular cars)
- It can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and weekends, so please consider using public transportation.
Location Details
Address: 621-0029 46 Anao Higashitsuji, Sogabe-cho, Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 0771-24-0809
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours and Fees
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Admission Fee:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 300 yen
- Group discounts available (30 or more people)
Special Viewings: Please check the temple’s website in advance for information on special viewings of the hidden principal image, etc.
Notes for Visitors
- Smoking is prohibited on the temple grounds.
- Entry into the garden is prohibited (viewing is from the veranda of the main hall).
- When touching the Buddha statue, please do so gently and considerately, without disturbing other visitors.
- Photography is permitted, however, photography may be prohibited inside the main hall.
- Goshuin (temple stamps) can be obtained at the sutra hall (donation of 300 yen).
Nearby Attractions
Tourist Spots in Kameoka City
When visiting Anao-ji Temple, we recommend also visiting other tourist spots in Kameoka City.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride: A popular attraction where you can boat down the approximately 16km gorge from Kameoka to Arashiyama.
Sagano Scenic Railway: A sightseeing train where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Hozugawa River gorge.
Izumo Grand Shrine: An ancient shrine known as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Tanba Province.
Tanba Kameyama Castle Ruins: The ruins of a castle associated with Akechi Mitsuhide.
Continuing the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage
After visiting Anao-ji Temple, if you wish to continue the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, you will proceed to the next temple, No. 22, Soji-ji Temple (Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture). Alternatively, you can visit it together with the previous temple, No. 20, Zenpo-ji Temple (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City).
Summary of the Charms of Anao-ji Temple
Anao-ji Temple, a venerable temple with over 1300 years of history, boasts numerous attractions and a deep history of faith.
Main Attractions:
- The Legend of the Substitute Kannon: A miraculous Kannon statue recorded in the *Konjaku Monogatari-shu* (Tales of Times Now Past)
- The Healing Buddha: A belief in healing various illnesses that has continued since the Muromachi period
- Kyoto Prefecture Designated Scenic Spot Garden: A beautiful pond garden known as a famous garden of Tanba
- The 21st Temple of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage: An important sacred site for Kannon pilgrimage
- Tranquil Temple Grounds: A quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto city, allowing for peaceful worship.
Near the natural beauty of Kameoka, Anao-ji Temple is an ideal sacred site for visitors seeking peace of mind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a temple that many people should visit, either as part of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage or to pray for healing from illness.
Touching the gleaming black Buddha statue inside the main hall and gazing at the beautiful garden, the time spent contemplating the history of faith that has continued for over a thousand years will surely teach us something important for those of us living in the modern age. Please do visit Bodaisan Anao-ji Temple at least once.
