Have you ever thought about how you want to face the end of your life?
I want to live as healthily and long as possible, and in the end, I wish to depart quietly without causing trouble to my family or suffering" — this ultimate wish has remained unchanged for us living in modern times, as well as for people from hundreds of years ago.
In the Aizu region, there is a belief known as "Aizu Korori Three Kannon" that fulfills this wish and has been deeply rooted for a long time.
By visiting the three temples: Nakata Kannon (Aizumisato Town), Tachiki Kannon (Aizubashakawamachi), and Toroi Kannon (Nishi-Aizu Town), and praying while clinging to the "hugging pillar," one can eliminate the three poisons (greed, anger, ignorance) and be promised a peaceful rebirth in paradise.
This time, we will guide you on a pilgrimage drive course for adults that allows you to reflect on your own "life and death" while enjoying the mysteries of history and beautiful architecture.
1. A Mother's Deep Love and a Sad Legend【Nakata Kannon (Koanji)】
First, let's start from Nakata Kannon in Aizumisato Town, which is not far from Aizuwakamatsu.
This temple is known for the mother of the world-renowned bacteriologist, Hideyo Noguchi, who prayed every month without fail for her son's burn treatment and success in life.
A Parental Love That Crosses Time
The principal image, the "Bronze Eleven-faced Kannon (National Important Cultural Property)," carries a sad legend. During the Kamakura period, a man named Egawa Chōja cast this life-sized Kannon statue in memory of his only daughter, Tokihime, who died at the young age of 17.
The image of a mother praying for her son's success and a father thinking of his deceased daughter. It is a very warm and slightly bittersweet place where the "deep love of parents" crosses time.
Let's firmly hug the "hugging pillar" inside the hall and offer our first prayer.
2. A Giant Kannon Still Rooted in the Ground!【Tachiki Kannon (Eiryūji)】
Next, we will head to Tachiki Kannon, located in Aizubashakawamachi, about 20 to 30 minutes by car from Nakata Kannon.
The main attraction here is undoubtedly the magnificent main hall with a thatched roof (Important Cultural Property) and the enormous "Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon statue" that stands approximately 8.5 meters tall inside.
Remarkably, this Kannon statue is said to have been carved from a giant Zelkova tree that is still rooted in the ground (standing tree Buddha), and it is said that the roots continue down to the floor.
Looking up at its overwhelming scale can make your neck ache, and it feels as if it is directly absorbing the energy of the earth.
A splendid "hugging pillar" is also provided here. While being enveloped by the compassion of the giant Kannon, let's lean against the pillar and wish, "Please guide me gently without prolonged suffering."
3. The Mystery of Left Jingo's "Hidden Carving"【Torioi Kannon (Nihonji)】
Finally, we head to "Torioi Kannon" in Nishiaizu Town, surrounded by nature, about an hour's drive away. This is one of the leading Kannon sacred sites opened by the Bodhisattva Tokui, who established the Keijiji Temple in Bandai Town as the "Western Pure Land of Aizu."
The structure of the hall here is very academic and features a rare one-way design where visitors enter from the east entrance, worship, and exit through the west entrance (towards the Western Pure Land). The structure itself represents "the journey from this life to the afterlife."
Additionally, a must-see for architecture fans is the "Hidden Three Monkeys" said to be carved by the legendary Edo period sculptor, Left Jingo.
Can those with a troubled heart not find it?
While the "See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil" of Nikko Toshogu is famous, the three monkeys here represent "the hidden monkey from difficulty," "the monkey that escapes difficulty," and "the monkey that lives in comfort."
Interestingly, the third monkey is said to be hidden in a way that resembles a peony bud. It is said that "those with a troubled heart cannot find it," and if you manage to find it, good fortune will come as the bud blooms. Please try to find it with your own eyes.
A pilgrimage journey for "living well"
How was it?
When you hear the name "Korori Three Kannon," you might think it sounds a bit ominous. However, contemplating death (memento mori) is the best academic experience to seriously reflect on "how to live in the present."
At "Tabinoito," we offer tours in an academic style that carefully unravel the historical background and Buddhist views on life and death, along with the guide's rich knowledge.
How about spending a quiet time facing your own heart while driving through the beautiful scenery of Aizu with a goshuin book in hand? The travel time between each temple (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in total) will surely become a blissful moment filled with historical talks with the guide.
[Aizu Korori Three Kannon Pilgrimage Data]
* Pilgrimage by car is recommended. Taking a leisurely two-day trip is also a wonderful experience.
| Temple Name (Location) | Admission Fee / Opening Hours, etc. | Access and sightseeing points |
|---|---|---|
| Nakata Kannon (Koanji) Aizu Misato Town |
Admission fee 400 yen *Individual visits available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10 AM (reservation required the day before) |
A temple associated with Shika, the mother of Hideyo Noguchi. A sad legend surrounds the copper statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon. |
| Tachiki Kannon (Eikyuji) Aizu Sakashita Town |
Admission fee 300 yen *Open for worship at all times |
An overwhelming presence of the giant Thousand-Hand Kannon, carved while still rooted, standing at 8.5 meters tall! |
| Torioi Kannon (Nohōji) Nishi Aizu Town |
Free admission *Lectures and guidance require reservation |
Searching for Left Jingo's 'Hidden Three Monkeys' and the architectural structure of 'Western Pure Land' that runs from east to west. |
[The ultimate academic tour connecting the dots of history]
A journey that goes beyond a stamp rally, allowing you to feel the breath of the people of that time.
A dedicated guide will explain the mysteries of history spread throughout Aizu.
First, feel free to consult us via LINE.
