観音院 (藍住町)

Overview

Kannon-in is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon school in Aizumi, Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture. Its mountain name is Unryuzan, and it enshrines an Eleven-Faced Kannon (Juichimen Kannon) as its principal image. Standing among the quiet settlements of the plain that spreads along the lower Yoshino River, it is loved by local pilgrims as the 76th temple of the Shin-Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage and the 6th of the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage.

Highlights

• ●A center of Kannon faith enshrining the Eleven-Faced Kannon
• ●The 76th station of the Shin-Shikoku Mandala pilgrimage
• ●Also the 6th temple of the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon route
• ●A quiet precinct set in the indigo village of Aizumi

History

Its mountain name Unryuzan and its principal image of the Eleven-Faced Kannon suggest that it has long drawn faith as a Kannon sanctuary. Belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school, it is distinctive in serving as a station on two pilgrimage routes at once, remaining a place of prayer for the people of the Aizumi area over the years. For the detailed origins of its founding, please check the official information.

Map

34.1234, 134.4909 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Bow at the gate and note the Unryuzan mountain name as you enter
2. 2Pray before the Eleven-Faced Kannon in the main hall
3. 3Receive the temple stamp unique to a two-route pilgrimage station
4. 4Afterward stroll the indigo-country scenery of Aizumi

Did you know?

💡 Aizumi has long been known for producing Awa indigo, and Kannon-in has carried its faith alongside the life of this indigo country. Several temples in the prefecture enshrine a Kannon of the same name, but this one is the Unryuzan Kannon-in of Aizumi, distinguished by holding stations on two pilgrimage routes.

Nearby spots