Ryozen-Kannon

Ryozen Kannon is a 24-meter-tall Kannon statue in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Built of reinforced concrete with a steel frame and weighing about 500 tons, it was erected in 1955 (Showa 30) by Hiroshi Ishikawa, founder of the Teisan Group, to commemorate those who died in World War II. Access is about a 15-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Railway) or about a 20-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Railway). Inside the statue are enshrined images including Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon), Kokuzo Bosatsu, Monju Bosatsu, Fugen Bosatsu, Seishi Bosatsu, Dainichi Nyorai, Fudo Myo-o, and Amida Nyorai. Also on the grounds are the Aizen Myo-o Hall (prayed to for matchmaking, good relationships, romance success, and family harmony), a Goma Hall where fire rituals are held three times a month for national prosperity, traffic safety, and household well-being, and the “Wish-Granting Jewel” known as a Kyoto power spot. During Obon, lanterns are lit for the Mantō-e memorial service, creating a fantastical atmosphere in the area.