Principal Image: Wooden Statue of Thousand-Hand Kannon

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

Standing in Aizusakashita Town, west of the Aizu Basin, is 'Eikyuji'. At its center stands the Kannon Hall, where the majestic form of prayer overwhelms those who see it. For over 1200 years since its founding, this figure has watched over the land, embodying the deep faith of Aizu and the dedication of craftsmen, truly a 'miracle of wood'.

■ Carved from a single tree, rooted and alive

The principal image, the 'Wooden Thousand-Armed Kannon Statue', stands approximately 8.5 meters tall. It boasts one of the largest sizes in Japan as a single-piece wooden statue.

• Legend of Kukai: It is said that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) carved it directly from a giant tree while it was still rooted, and thus it has long been cherished by the name 'Standing Kannon'.
• Impressive guardian deity: Inside the hall, surrounding the principal image are the twenty-eight guardian deities, as well as statues of the wind god and thunder god. The powerful presence of the thirty-three statues illuminated in the darkness is truly breathtaking.

■ 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 has become glossy from the many hands that have touched it, absorbs the earnest 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?