Overview
Mikata Ishi Kannon is a Kannon hall of the Soto Zen sect in Mikata, Wakasa Town, Mikata-kaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture, carrying the mountain name Daihizan. Its principal image is a Sho Kannon Bodhisattva carved directly into a granite rock face -- a so-called cliff-carved Buddha (magaibutsu) -- and the hall is counted as the 7th sacred site of the Hokuriku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage as well as a special-numbered site on the Wakasa Kannon Pilgrimage.
Highlights
- ●A Sho Kannon image carved directly into the granite cliff face
- ●The "One-Handed Kannon" nickname tied to Kobo Daishi's overnight-carving legend
- ●Wooden hand and foot votive offerings piled up in the Miteashi-do hall
- ●Spring water on the grounds certified as one of "Fukui's Delicious Waters"
History
According to local legend, the priest Kobo Daishi, while spreading Buddhist teachings in Wakasa, attempted to carve the Kannon image in a single night into the granite at the foot of Mt. Kumotani, overlooking the Mikata Five Lakes. Before he could finish, the first rooster crowed, so he left the mountain with the statue's right wrist unfinished -- the reason it is popularly known as the "One-Handed Kannon." The image itself is kept as a hidden Buddha (hibutsu), unveiled only once every 33 years, with the next unveiling scheduled for October 2026.
Access
The temple sits in Mikata, Wakasa Town, at grounds that also serve as the trailhead for Mt. Kumotani, so most visitors arrive by car. Public transport routes and schedules can change, so it is worth checking current information through Wakasa Town or local tourism sources before setting out.
Best season
The Kannon is believed to bring benefits for ailments of the hands and feet, drawing worshippers throughout the year. Timing a visit around the once-in-33-years unveiling (next in October 2026) offers a rare chance to see the normally hidden principal image directly.
Map
35.5617, 135.9147 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Pass through the gate and reflect on the One-Handed Kannon legend at the main hall
- 2Visit the Miteashi-do to see the dedicated wooden hand and foot votives
- 3Stop by the certified spring water on the grounds
- 4Continue, if energy allows, toward the Mt. Kumotani trailhead with views over the Mikata Five Lakes
Did you know?
💡 In the hall's Miteashi-do (Hands-and-Feet Hall), visitors borrow small wooden hand- or foot-shaped votive objects tied to the body part they hope to heal, later returning and dedicating them once recovered -- a growing pile of these offerings can be seen there. In March 2006 (Heisei 18), the spring water flowing on the grounds was certified as one of "Fukui's Delicious Waters," tying the site closely to its water as well.
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