CHIBA

Kasamori-Kannon Temple

Japan's Only Four-Sided Stilted Temple Suspended Above A Sacred Forest

Soak in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Kasamori-Kannon Temple, founded in the 8th century, where a historic Buddhist sanctuary stands suspended on stilts atop a forested hill in central Chiba.

Experience & Activities Temples & Shrines

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Journey to the heart of Chiba Prefecture to discover a temple unlike any other in Japan—a wooden hall that appears to float above the treetops, supported entirely by stilts on all sides.

Perched dramatically atop a cone-shaped rocky hill, Kasamori-Kannon Temple showcases shihōkakezukuri, a rare "four-sided hanging construction" technique found nowhere else in Japan. Built in 1028 by order of Emperor Go-Ichijō, this architectural marvel was born from necessity: when the monk Saichō carved an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue from sacred camphor wood in 784 and enshrined it on the hilltop, the unusual terrain demanded an innovative solution. The result is a stunning wooden structure that seems to breathe with each step, built with flexible wood joinery instead of rigid nails to withstand earthquakes and typhoons.

The temple serves as the 31st stop on the prestigious Bandō 33 Kannon Pilgrimage and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Climbing the stairs will reward you with panoramic views across the Kasamori–Tsurumai Prefectural Nature Park, where ancient trees tower overhead. The famous San-bon sugi cedar stands as a living monument, its three massive trunks branching from a single base, while the grounds themselves are protected as a National Natural Monument. Also, the black beckoning cat figurines sold at the good-luck shop “Engiya Coco” within the shrine grounds are highly popular auspicious items among visitors from overseas.

Before reaching the main hall, you’ll encounter the Kosazuke-no-Kusu, a massive camphor tree with a natural opening at its base. Local tradition holds that crawling through this passage promotes fertility and youthful health—a popular ritual for temple pilgrims. Don't miss striking the temple's enormous bell, which weighs nearly one-and-a-half tons and resonates through the forest for over a minute.

From Tokyo, take the JR Sotobo Line to Mobara Station, then board the Kominato Bus bound for Kasamori Kannon. Get off at the Kasamori bus stop, followed by a scenic five-minute walk to the temple grounds.