Main Deity: Wooden Statue of Kannon with Thousand Arms

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

In the west of the Aizu Basin, stands 'Eikyuji' in Aizubange Town. At its center, the Kannon Hall breathes life into 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 while keeping its roots intact, the life force of one wood

The principal image, the 'Wooden Thousand-Hand Kannon Standing Statue,' stands approximately 8.5 meters tall. It boasts one of the largest sizes in Japan for a statue carved from a single piece of wood.

• Legend of Kukai: It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) carved it directly from a giant tree while keeping its roots, and it has long been cherished by the name 'Tachimoku Kannon.'
• Impressive guardian deity: Inside the hall, twenty-eight guardian deities surround the principal image, along with statues of the Wind God and Thunder God. The powerful presence of the thirty-three statues emerging from the darkness is truly impressive.

■ A '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 heart's wishes.

• Inherited faith: The pillar, which shines black from the many hands that have touched it, is imbued with the heartfelt wishes and memories of gratitude from generations of people.

In the precincts where the scenery of old Japan remains, experience a moment of overwhelming compassion emanating from a single tree. Would you like to feel the thousand-year prayer blending into the air of Aizu?