Keiryuuji Tachiki Kannon Hall

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

Standing in Aizusakushita Town, west of the Aizu Basin, is "Eikyuji." At its center, the Tachiki Kannon Hall breathes with a majestic form of prayer that overwhelms those who see it. For over 1200 years since its founding, its presence has watched over this land, embodying the deep faith of Aizu and the dedication of craftsmen, truly a "miracle of wood."

■ Carved from a single tree, rooted in life force

The principal image, the "Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva statue," stands about 8.5 meters tall. Remarkably, it is said to have been carved from a massive zelkova tree that remains rooted in the earth.

• Overwhelming presence: The figure rising throughout the hall beautifully merges the life force inherent in the 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 silence alongside the twenty-eight guardian deities.

■ A "hugging pillar" that heals people across time

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.

• Inheriting faith: The pillar, which has become glossy from many 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 scenery of old Japan. Would you like to feel the thousand-year prayer that blends into the air of Aizu?