Keiryuuji Tachiki Kannon Hall

【A giant statue of compassion residing in a single tree】 The thousand-year prayer carved by 'Eikyuji's Jizoin Kannon Hall'

Standing in Aizusakushita Town, west of the Aizu Basin, is 'Eikyuji'. At its center, the Jizoin Kannon Hall breathes life into a majestic form of prayer that overwhelms viewers. For over 1200 years since its founding, its presence has been a 'miracle of wood' born from the deep faith of Aizu and the dedication of craftsmen.

■ Carved from a single tree, embodying life force

The principal image, the 'Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva statue', stands approximately 8.5 meters tall. Remarkably, it is said to be carved from a massive zelkova tree that remains rooted in the earth, known as 'standing wood carving'.

• Overwhelming grandeur: The figure rising throughout the hall beautifully merges the life force inherent in wood with the compassion of Kannon.
• National designated treasure: It is also designated as an important cultural property of the country, exuding a dignified tension in the tranquility alongside the twenty-eight guardian deities flanking it.

■ The 'hugging pillar' that heals people across eras

The large pillar in the corridor of the Kannon Hall is known as the 'hugging pillar', where many worshippers once clung to it, entrusting their heartfelt wishes.

• Inherited faith: The pillar, which shines black from countless hands touching it, absorbs the earnest wishes and memories of gratitude from generations of people.

A moment to touch the overwhelming compassion emanating from a single tree in a precinct that retains the scenes of old Japan. Would you like to experience the thousand-year prayer blending into the air of Aizu?