Spectacular autumn foliage! A Buddhist enthusiast with a Level 1 Buddhism Certification explains the highlights of the famous "Nonzan Kannonji Temple" (Sasaguri)

When we visit shrines and temples, we are delighted with the beauty of nature, including seasonal flowers.

However, even if you go to a shrine or temple, have you ever ended up just enjoying the nature and then going home?

Having a little knowledge about Shinto and Buddhism will make your outings more enjoyable and fulfilling.

However, many people feel that religion and history are difficult subjects.

So I, Tsubaki-king, who has a "Level 1 Buddhist Certification" (※), will explain Buddhism in a "super simple" way while introducing Fukuoka temples, which are famous for their seasonal colors! (※) Certified by the Japan Buddhist Association

The sight of the temple grounds turning bright red is a spectacular sight! "Nomiyama Kannonji Temple" (Sasaguri Town, Kasuya District)

This time we will be introducing "Nomiyama Kannonji Temple", located about 15 minutes by car from Sasaguri Station on the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line.

There is free parking for approximately 200 cars.

Known affectionately as "Nomiyama-san," Sasaguri is the 16th temple of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage, and numerous halls are scattered across its vast grounds.

Image: Donzan Kannonji Temple

During the autumn foliage season, approximately 1,000 maple trees and enkianthus trees paint the temple grounds bright red, creating a sight so beautiful it will make you gasp in surprise.

One of the highlights is the Autumn Leaves Festival, which is held every year from the end of October to the end of November (in 2024 it will be from October 26th to November 24th, 9:00-17:00). During the festival, the Kannon Market will be held, with different stalls selling food trucks, miscellaneous goods, killifish scoops, vegetables, and more. *For information on stalls, please check the Kannon Market Instagram account (@kannon_market).

Image: Donzan Kannonji Temple

However, deputy chief priest Murakami Ryozen says, "Many people come just to see the autumn leaves. But if they have the chance, we'd like them to also visit the main hall and other places."

As a Buddhist enthusiast, I cannot help but introduce some of the highlights here.

A hidden Buddha! The Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva is said to grant ward off evil, ensure the safety of the family, and bring success in love.

The main hall enshrines the Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva, a secret Buddha image that can only be seen once a year (during the Autumn Festival on the third Sunday of October).

Photo: Mr. tsubaking *The Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Kannon Bodhisattva is not pictured.

In his plain state, Kannon Bodhisattva has two hands just like us, but he transformed into the Thousand-Armed Kannon with the desire to "extend a helping hand to anyone."

It seems so reliable!

The benefits it offers are varied, including protection from misfortune, safety in the home, and prosperity in business, making it a truly all-powerful shrine.

Another secret Buddha! Acala, who is said to help cut through the rough seas of life and ward off misfortune.

Additionally, the Tenno-in temple on the temple grounds enshrines the secret Buddha statue of Acala. This is also open to the public only once a year (during the 8,000-piece goma offering ceremony on the second Sunday of December).

In the Shingon sect of this temple, the Buddha called Dainichi Nyorai is at the top, and Acala is said to be "another form" of Dainichi Nyorai.

Photo: Mr. tsubaking *Acala is not pictured

In addition, tennoin temple enshrines a rare statue of acalanatha called namikiri fudo.

When Kukai, who studied in the Tang Dynasty, was caught in a storm on his way back to Japan by boat, Namikiri Fudo is said to have appeared on the sea, cut through the rough waves and saved him from the predicament.

Based on these stories, it is said that the stone has the power to ward off evil and help you navigate the rough seas of life.

This Buddha is a perfect fit for modern times, where we face a lot of stress and hardship no matter what we do! Perhaps this Buddha is also related to Christian angels?

The benefit of Aizen Myo-o is that "many good things will happen"!

The Aizen-do Hall, located next to the main hall of Tenno-in Temple, enshrines a Buddhist statue called Aizen Myo-o.

This is a unique-looking Buddha statue with a bright red body, six arms, and a lion's face on top of its head.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

According to the deputy chief priest, "It is said to bring good fortune (lots of good things will happen)."

As the name suggests, it is also known for granting blessings for love success and marital harmony.

In the West, Cupid is depicted with a bow and arrow, but it is interesting that Aizen Myo-o, the Buddha who grants love, also holds a bow and arrow!

Of the six hands, there is one that is empty. Depending on the era and region, people would place the name of a desired partner or a love letter on this hand and pray. How romantic!

There are only a few in the whole country! A Buddhist statue worth visiting during its special public exhibition

And as a Buddhist statue lover, I, Tsubaking, highly recommend the Yugitou Tower.

Image: Donzan Kannonji Temple

Enshrined within this shrine is the "Two-Headed Aizen Myo-o," a combination of Aizen Myo-o and Acala.

Image: Mr.tsubaking

Although it is an "abnormal appearance" any way you look at it, with two Buddha statues joined together and eight arms, the overall shape is well-balanced and demonstrates the high level of skill of the sculptor (the person who makes Buddhist statues).

The doors are only open on certain days (check the temple's website), but this extremely rare Buddha statue, of which there are only a few in the entire country, is a must-see!

Not just autumn leaves! Cherry blossoms and rose gardens are also must-sees

This temple is famous for its autumn leaves, but in spring the Fukuju cherry blossoms, a new variety registered in 2021, bloom, and during the new green season the entire temple grounds are enveloped in a lush green.

There is also a rose garden that was passionately created by the deputy chief priest a few years ago!

Image: Mr.tsubaking

In this way, Nonzan Kannonji Temple can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons.

Why not enjoy the trees and experience the profound depths of Buddhism? (Text by Mr. Tsubaking)

＜Click on the facility name for more details on the store information↓＞
■Nonzan Kannonji Temple
Address: 227-4 Hagio, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture
Visiting hours: 6:00-17:00
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