Left Downward Kannon

【A corridor of prayer blooming on the cliffs】 Encounter the tranquil aerial palace at 'Left Descending Kannon'

In the mountains of Aizumisato Town, a scene that will make you doubt your eyes unfolds. Built against a massive rock wall, the three-story structure known as 'Kakezukuri' — this is the 21st sacred site of the Aizu Thirty-three Kannon, 'Left Descending Kannon'. Believed to have been founded by the great priest Kobo Daishi Kukai during the Heian period, this place is truly deserving of the title 'heavenly sanctuary', where the ruggedness of nature and human prayers blend seamlessly.

■ The aesthetics of 'Kakezukuri' embracing massive rocks

This architecture, reminiscent of 'Kiyomizu's stage', skillfully utilizes the protruding rock bed and is constructed with pillars.

• Coexistence with nature: Upon entering the hall, the natural rock face soaring through the floor is exposed, allowing you to feel the seamless coexistence of artificial structures and the great outdoors.
• The corridor crossing the sky: Standing at the edge of the stage, a refreshing breeze sweeps through the Aizu basin, revealing a panoramic view of the forest that changes colors with the seasons below.

■ Prayers to the Kannon statue marking the passage of time

The Kannon statue enshrined in the cave has long been worshipped as a guardian deity that alleviates the suffering of local people and grants wisdom.

• The tranquility reached by walking: After about fifteen minutes of walking along the lush approach from the parking lot, enveloped only by the sounds of birds chirping and the river, the moment you arrive, the massive tower that appears before you brings deep emotion and tranquility to the traveler’s heart.

For over a thousand years, the compassionate gaze that continues to watch over Aizu from the cliff's edge. Why not ascend to the stage of Left Descending Kannon to immerse yourself in its overwhelming beauty and the serene time that purifies the soul?