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Watch up close! To the world of the deep Kannon statue at Nagahama Kannon-do in Tokyo
Hello. It's Hanes.
In Chuo-ku, there are a number of spots where you can get information and specialties from all over Japan, including antenna shops.
Do you know the Tokyo Nagahama Kannon-do, where you can worship different Kannon for each exhibition?
Although it is called "Kannondo", it is a facility where you can also obtain information about Nagahama City, and it is located on the 4th floor of Yaesu Central Building, close to Tokyo Station and Nihombashi Station.
It's been six years since I moved to Chuo-ku, but it is also the charm of Chuo-ku, which has an endless exploration heart, to meet spots that have not yet been visited.
This is the preamble, and I will take the elevator immediately and proceed to the 4th floor of the building.
Then, I found a mobile sign indicating the location of "Tokyo Nagahama Kannon-do" in one corner!
There is an atmosphere like a hideout known to those who know, and you will step into Kannondo while thrilling.
According to "Nagahama Kannon-do Greeting" on the wall near the entrance, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, known as "Kannon no Sato", has a Buddhist culture flourished since the Heian period, and there are still more than 100 Kannon statues in the city. It seems to be dotted.
However, we face the challenge of aging of those who are committed to preserving and passing on Kannon culture.
Therefore, with the goal of transmitting the appeal of Kannon culture and expanding the circle of supporters and collaborators, Tokyo Nagahama Kannon-do was opened here two years ago in July 2021.
Historic Kannon-sama, etc., which usually cannot be seen unless you visit the site, are released four times a year in Tokyo about one month.
In mid-June 2023, when I first visited, a standing statue of Bato Kannon (Designated Cultural Property, Nagahama City) of Yokoyama Shrine in Yokoyama, Takatsuki-cho, Nagahama City was on display.
It is a wooden statue presumed to be made at the end of the Heian period (around the 12th century), and the height of the statue is 99.6 cm.
Yokoyama Shrine is a shrine with a long history dating back toEmpress Suiko.
Currently, this Kannon-sama is deposited at the Takatsuki Kannon Village History and Folklore Museum, and returns to the shrine only on the day of the Kannon-sama Hometown Festival every year and is open to the public by local people.
There are many Kannon-sama enshrined in Chuo-ku, but it is usually located in the back of the slightly dim main hall, so you can never see yourself up close.
However, here at Nagahama Kannon-do in Tokyo, you can appreciate Kannon-sama, which is so close and elaborately carved through the glass case!
In addition, you can see the back of Kannon!
I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that there are few such opportunities.
The fact that we used a cypress wood and had already formed such a stunning curve about 900 years ago is surprising at the high technical skills at that time.
There are also temples that worship Senju Kannon in various parts of Japan, but in my case, if there are many, I tend to see and pass by quickly.
However, Kannon-sama, who will appear at Hon Kannondo, is limited to one object for each exhibition, so you can slowly immerse yourself in the depth of the Kannon statue.
However, it is not a deep knowledge of the Kannon statue.
While you do not know where to appreciate and how to appreciate, what you have in your hand, what meaning and wishes are included in each, what features sculptures have, etc. What you are worried about is coming one after another.
It is an information board and commentary sheet that explains what it is, using furigana in technical terms so that anyone can understand such a question.
There is plenty of information about Kannon, from basic to academic.
In the first place, even if you often hear the word Bato Kannon, you may not have a vague image of the characteristics.
Bato Kannon is a unique Kannon Bosatsu that has a horse's head overhead, has three faces and eight arms, and shows the phase of anger.
In Hon Kannondo, I was able to know how Kannon, who came to Tokyo in June, came to be enshrined at Yokoyama Shrine.
This time, I only thought about the distant land of Nagahama, but when I visited Shiga Prefecture, it would be great to go to see Kannon-sama who was able to know this way.
In addition, booklets with rich sightseeing information of Nagahama City and flyers for events attracting attention this year are also distributed.
This year marks 450 years since Hideyoshi Hashiba took over Kitaoumi, which was ruled by Nagamasa Asai, and the town of Nagahama became a castle town.
Therefore, it seems that Nagahama 450 Sengoku Festival is being held until December in Nagahama.
In addition, in this Kannondo, videos introducing historical sites and Kannon statues in the city, such as the Kotani Castle Ruins, are screened, and there are also Kannon-sama and Nagahama-related books that can be enjoyed freely by hand.
There is an infinite way of enjoying even though it is in a small room.
This time, I visited during the lunch break, but I was able to immerse myself in the history of Nagahama and the world of Kannon statues in a quiet space, so I forgot that I was in Tokyo for a while.
It is a 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit and a 5-minute walk from Exit B7 of Tokyo Metro Nihombashi Station, so it is recommended for those who are looking for a place to visit easily around Tokyo Station and Nihombashi Station!
In addition, I think that the Kannon statue is intended for those who are interested in visiting shrines and temples, but in fact, there are times when coloring Buddha statues are prepared so that even children can enjoy it.
Even adults want to paint this too.
In addition, there are souvenirs for visitors, and you can get a Kannon card and commentary sheet that you have come out.
In recent years, "Manhole Cards" and "Dam Cards" have become popular. How about a grateful "Kannon-sama Card"?
I myself want to visit Hon Kannondo every time a different Kannon comes out and collect cards.
We have told you about the charm of Tokyo Nagahama Kannon-do so far, but we summarize the recommended points from the correspondent's perspective in three are as follows.
1． You can enjoy the historic Kannon statue up close to your heart's content
2． You can experience the modern culture that Nagahama is proud of while living in Tokyo
3． Good access from the hub station in Chuo-ku, so you can easily visit
The second session of 2023 is from August 1 to 31, and there is the "Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva Standing Statue" held by Kuniyasu and Kuniyasu Residents' Association, Yogo-cho, Nagahama City.
By the way, the exhibition is held in November in autumn and February in winter.
When you come near you, be sure to visit the Kannon-sama of Nagahama.♪
※In writing this article, the person in charge of Nagahama City and Tokyo Nagahama Kannon-do cooperated. Thank you very much.
Introduction Spot Information
Kannondo, Nagahama, Tokyo
Location 4th floor of Yaesu Central Building 2-3-21 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 080-1620-2090
Access 5 minutes walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu North Exit / 5 minutes walk from Exit B7 of Tokyo Metro Nihombashi Station
Official Website: https://kannonnagahama.wixsite.com/website-1