Anraku-ji Temple (Yoshimi Kannon)

Anraku-ji Temple is the 11th temple in Bando and has been known as Yoshimi Kannon since ancient times. The main deity of the temple is the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion, and according to the Yoshimi Kannon Enki, it all started about 1200 years ago when a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva was carved and placed in the rock cave. Every year on June 18, the Kannon is unveiled in the early morning to the public to ward off evil spirits. As a tradition, they also sell special "Yakuwake Dango (literally dumplings to ward off evil)" on this day. Even to this day, on June 18th, the long approach to Anraku-ji Temple is lined with stalls, and the area becomes very crowded from around 2 am to early morning.

Temples and Shrines