Iwate » Ofunato, Kamaishi

Kamaishi Daikannon

A statue of the Kannon overlooking the sea and the city from a hill

Standing 48.5 meters high on a hill overlooking the coastline of Kamaishi City is the 48.5 meter tall statue of the Uoan Kannon.

This standing concrete statue of the Kannon was erected in 1970 as a prayer for peace by Meibozan Seiozenji Temple, which was founded in 1665.

The womb of the Great Buddha has a spiral staircase and is divided into 13 floors. Each floor, starting from the second floor, enshrines seven gods of good fortune carved out of wood, and visitors can tour the womb of the seven gods of good fortune.

The seven gods of good fortune are enshrined on each floor from the bottom: Benzaiten, Ebisu, Daikokuten, Fukurokuju, Bishamonten, Jurojin, and Hotei.

The second floor houses the hall of worship, and the third floor enshrines the beautifully carved wood sculpture of the 33 Kannon (Goddess of Mercy).

The 12th floor is an observatory where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful coastline of Kamaishi and the Rikuchu Kaigan National Park from 120 meters above sea level.

Nearby are a heart-shaped monument with two seagulls cuddling and an Indian-Sri Lankan style stupa.

The presence and grandeur of the Ishio Zenji Kamaishi Grand Kannon Temple will soothe and inspire visitors. Please visit the temple to refresh your mind and body and enjoy the beautiful view from the observatory.

Information

Name
Kamaishi Daikannon
釜石大観音
Link
Official Site
Address
3-9-1 Ohira-cho, Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture
Telephone number
0193-24-2125
Hours of operation

9:00-17:00

Closed

December 29 - 31

Admission fee

Adults 500 yen
Junior high and high school students 300 yen
Elementary school students 100 yen

Parking lot
Free parking lot for 150 cars / Paid parking available on the hillside
Access

10 min. by bus from Kamaishi Station

Ofunato, Kamaishi

Iwate