Anraku-ji Temple (Yoshimi Kannon)

sightseeing

Anraku-ji Temple is the 11th temple in Bando and has been known as Yoshimi Kannon since ancient times. The main deity of the temple is the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion, and according to the Yoshimi Kannon Enki, it all started about 1200 years ago when a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva was carved and placed in the rock cave. Every year on June 18, the Kannon is unveiled in the early morning to the public to ward off evil spirits. As a tradition, they also sell special "Yakuwake Dango (literally dumplings to ward off evil)" on this day. Even to this day, on June 18th, the long approach to Anraku-ji Temple is lined with stalls, and the area becomes very crowded from around 2 am to early morning.

Basic Information

Location
374Gosho, Yoshimi Town, Hiki-gun
TEL
0493-54-2898
Event Information
June 18: Apotropaic magic morning Kannon

Business hours / Fee

Business hours
Delivery time
(Summer) 8: 00-17: 00
(Winter) 9:00 - 16:00
Fee
Free

How to get there

Public transport
10 minutes by taxi from "Higashi Matsuyama Station" on the Tobu Tojo Line
Car
20 minutes from "Higashimatsuyama IC" on the Kanetsu Expressway
Parking
Free: 100 units

Map

Nearby spots

Hatcho Lake
Hatcho Lake

Yoshimi Town is dotted with artificial swamps, which actually are reservoirs built for rice paddy cultivation. Lake Hatcho is one such artificial swamp with an area of about 52000 square meters. The kanji letter for "Ha" can also mean both "eight" and "many," similar to how the symbol for eight is the same as the symbol for infinity. This can be found in many words and expressions used throughout the Japanese language, where the number eight is used to describe "too many to count." Lake Hatcho used to be called "Hatcho Hassan no Numa," which also is a play on eight, but since the name is incorrect, it isn't in use anymore.

Mt. Ponpon
Mt. Ponpon

Behind the precincts of Takaohikone Shrine in Tako, Yoshimi town, there is a rocky mountain with a great view. If you climb up the mountainside and stomp your feet, you will hear a clomping sound. There is a legend regarding this place that goes something like this. Once upon a time, there was a rich man who was looking for a place to hide his treasure. One day, he paid a visit to Takaohikone Shrine and asked for the best place to hide his treasure. The god told him, "Bury it in this rocky mountain. I will protect it for you." The man felt relieved and buried all his riches in the mountain. Today, as a remnant of this story, the rocky mountain is called Mount Ponpon and is said to be inhabited by a divine spirit.

Yoshimi Hundred Caves
Yoshimi Hundred Caves

The Yoshimi Hundred Caves is a horizontal hole tomb built at the end of the Kofun period (late 6th to late 7th century) and was designated as a national historic site in 1918. It is a historic site that represents Yoshimi Town, and there are currently 219 horizontal holes that have been confirmed. Each hole consists of two parts, a narrow passage, and a burial chamber. In some of the holes, you can also find the natural monument luminous moss growing.

Matsuyama Castle Ruins
Matsuyama Castle Ruins

The ruins of Matsuyama Castle, once a superb flatland-mountain castle in the Kitamusashi region, have been designated as a prefectural historical site since 1925. In 2008, the ruins of Sugaya yakata (Ranzan Town), which had already been designated as a national historic site, were joined by the ruins of Sugiyama Castle (Ranzan Town) and Kokura Castle (Tokigawa, Ranzan, and Ogawa Town) to form the Hiki Castle Ruins Group, which now is designated as a national historic site. The castle is surrounded by a swampy area formed by the Ichino River, which creates a natural barrier.

Roadside Station: Ichigo-no-Sato – Yoshimi
Roadside Station: Ichigo-no-Sato – Yoshimi

This roadside station is designed to resemble a strawberry castle and is aimed at families with tons of places for children to play. Processed goods such as fresh dorayaki made from strawberries grown in Yoshimi are available for purchase. It is also a popular place to take a break while enjoying delicious soft ice cream.

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