Overview
Imakumano Kannon-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Sennyuji-ha school, standing within the grounds of head temple Sennyu-ji in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Shin-Nachisan and its formal name is Kannon-ji, yet it is widely known by the nickname 'Imakumano' because the faith of Kumano was invited here to the capital. Its principal image, a hidden statue of the eleven-headed Kannon, has drawn pilgrims for centuries as the 15th stop of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
Highlights
- ●The principal image, a hidden statue of the eleven-headed Kannon
- ●Its role as the 15th Saigoku and 19th Rakuyo Kannon pilgrimage station
- ●The origin of the name 'Imakumano', invoking Kumano in the capital
- ●The quiet Higashiyama approach path within the Sennyu-ji grounds
History
According to temple tradition, Imakumano Kannon-ji was founded around the year 900 in the early Heian period, transplanting the miraculous grace of the Kumano Sanzan shrines into the Higashiyama hills of Kyoto. The name 'Imakumano', meaning Kumano brought 'here and now', reflects this act of enshrinement. Over the ages it served as a station on the Saigoku pilgrimage and the Rakuyo Thirty-three Kannon route while remaining a sub-temple of Sennyu-ji. For fuller historical details, please check the official sources.
Access
The temple lies in the Yamauchi-cho of Sennyu-ji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, at roughly 34.98 latitude and 135.78 longitude among the eastern hills. A quiet approach path leads deep into the spacious precincts of Sennyu-ji, making it easy to combine with nearby Tofuku-ji and Sennyu-ji on foot. As stations, bus stops and visiting hours may change, please confirm the latest details through official information before your visit.
Best season
Set among the Higashiyama hills famed for autumn colour, the temple is especially beautiful in fall when maples frame the approach. The fresh green of early summer and the deep stillness of a winter morning each have their own charm. As a pilgrimage station it welcomes visitors year-round, but an early-morning visit best captures the calm, prayerful atmosphere.
Map
34.9797, 135.7808 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Enter from the precincts of head temple Sennyu-ji and follow the path to Imakumano Kannon-ji
- 2Offer prayers before the hidden eleven-headed Kannon in the main hall
- 3Receive a goshuin seal as a Saigoku and Rakuyo pilgrimage station
- 4Combine the visit with Tofuku-ji and Sennyu-ji for a Higashiyama temple walk
Did you know?
💡 The temple is also counted among the Senzan Shichifukujin pilgrimage of the Seven Lucky Gods and the Shinbutsu Reijo sacred-site route, making it a crossing point of several devotional paths. Its pilgrim's hymn praises the ever-renewed vow of the Buddha at Imakumano, conveying the depth of a Kannon faith cherished since ancient times.
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