Find peace in nature and pray for good fortune while admiring a centuries-old temple precinct and sacred Buddhist statues.

Should you have the good fortune of visiting this picturesque temple, you will find yourself walking through the striking vermillion Niomon Gate into an atmosphere like no other. With over a thousand years of history, Mizusawa Kannon is a must-visit destination for those seeking a calming retreat from the city. Mizusawa Kannon was founded around 1,300 years ago by the Gogureyo (an ancient kingdom located in present Korea) monk Ekan Shōjō, under the imperial decree of Empress Suiko and Emperor Jitō, and enshrines Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, who is believed to offer aid and good fortune. Visitors can visit the main hall to see the stunning Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva statue, which has attracted worshippers since the temple was founded.

Among the many worshippers who have made their way to Mizusawa Kannon to pray before Kannon are members of the Tokugawa clan. This important connection is symbolized by the triple hollyhock crest of the clan painted on the doors of the Main Hall, another elaborate construction of crimson-painted wood and black roof tiles. This striking contrast is a feast for the eyes and a look into traditional temple architecture. One of the highlights is the Shaka hall, newly constructed during the Heisei era. Inside, it enshrines a radiant golden statue of Shaka Nyorai surrounded by 33 statues of Kannon Bodhisattva, each representing one of the Thirty-Three Kannon Temples of Bandō. After a devastating fire destroyed many of the temple’s buildings and statues, the entire complex—including the main hall, mountain gate, and hexagonal hall—was meticulously rebuilt. Along with the construction of the Shaka hall, the Shaka Triad and Nio statues were also beautifully restored over several years, returning the temple to its former splendor.