Kannon-ji Temple

Overview

Kannon-ji is a temple of the Buzan school of the Shingon sect, located in Kagami, Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture. Said to have been founded in 807, in the early Heian period, it is an old temple that has marked more than twelve centuries as a place of prayer. Surrounded by the farmland of Oyama, its grounds hold a composed atmosphere well suited to travelers who wish to quietly join their hands in prayer.

Highlights

• ●An old temple of over twelve centuries, said to be founded in 807
• ●A venerable temple belonging to the Shingon Buzan school
• ●Quiet grounds surrounded by the farmland of Oyama
• ●A place of prayer conveying the Buzan teaching headed by Hase-dera

History

According to temple tradition, it was founded in 807 (early Heian period) and has walked a long history as a temple of the Buzan school of the Shingon sect. The Buzan school is a branch of Shingon whose head temple is Hase-dera in Nara, and this temple is thought to have supported local faith under that teaching. For the fuller history since its founding and its treasures, it is best to check official sources and on-site guidance.

Map

36.2987, 139.7422 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from the direction of Oyama Station to Kannon-ji in Kagami
2. 2Pass through the gate into the grounds of a temple dating from the Heian era
3. 3Join your hands before the main hall in quiet prayer
4. 4Extend your trip to central Oyama and nearby sights

Did you know?

💡 The founding year of 807 falls in the early Heian period, when Kukai was spreading the Shingon sect, suggesting that Buddhist faith took root here long ago. As a temple of the Shingon Buzan school, its connection to the lineage headed by Hase-dera is an intriguing angle for a temple-visiting itinerary.

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