Shiofune Kannon-ji Temple & Shiofune Kannon Azalea Garden [Tokyo]

【Overview of Shiofune Kannon-ji】

The founding of Shiofune Kannon-ji is said to date back to the Taika era (645–650). Legend has it that the priestess Yao Byakuni, who traveled across Japan, visited this site and enshrined a tiny, 5.5cm statue of the “Sujin Senju Kannon” (Thousand-Armed Kannon made of purple-gold). Its official name is Daibi-zan Kannon-ji, a distinguished head temple of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in the historic city of Ome, Tokyo.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Nio-mon Gate】

The Nio-mon Gate was built in the late Muromachi period (15th–16th century). Its architectural style is simple yet powerful, and it is currently designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Inside the gate, a pair of standing Kongo Rikishi statues (guardian deities), designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Tokyo, stand watch.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Amida-do Hall】

Located just past the Nio-mon Gate, the Amida-do Hall is also a National Important Cultural Property. Enshrined within is a wooden standing statue of Amida Nyorai, a designated Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo.

【The Great Cedar of Shiofune (Millennium Cedar) 】

Towering to the left of the approach leading to the main hall, this massive sacred tree symbolizes the long history and vitality of the temple. Its age is estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,500 years.

It is designated as a Natural Monument of Tokyo. Legend says that when Yao Byakuni visited, the cedar grew from where she struck her staff into the ground, or that she planted it to commemorate her visit.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Yakushi-do Hall】

Situated along the path to the main hall, Yakushi-do enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and longevity. It is particularly worshipped as the “Protector of Eyes,” attracting many visitors praying for recovery from illness and overall well-being.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Main Hall (Hondo)】

The Main Hall, or Kannon-do, is the spiritual heart of the temple. It is a precious structure from the Muromachi period and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Passing behind the main hall, the famous azalea garden finally reveals itself.

【Shiofune Kannon Azalea Garden】

The garden is uniquely situated in a “bowl-shaped” (suribachi) depression, where the slopes are completely covered in azaleas, creating a three-dimensional “wall of flowers” unlike any other.

 With approximately 20,000 azaleas across 20 varieties, looking up from the bottom of the valley provides a 360-degree immersive experience of vibrant pinks, reds, and whites.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Goma-do Koseikaku Hall】

Located near the main hall, this is where the Goma ritual (a sacred fire prayer) is performed. It houses a statue of the legendary founder, Yao Byakuni.

Many visitors come here to pray for health and longevity, hoping to share in her legendary long life.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Shiofune Heiwa Kannon Statue】

Standing at the highest point of the azalea-covered hill, this glistening white, 15-meter statue is the temple’s new symbol, erected in 2010 to commemorate the 1,300th anniversary of the temple’s opening.

From its feet, you can look directly down over the entire 20,000-bush azalea garden and the cityscape of Ome.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Bell of Good Fortune (Shofuku-no-Kane)】

Located on the hill overlooking the garden, this is a bell tower that visitors are actually allowed to ring. While many temples restrict access to their bells, here anyone can ring it for a small 100-yen donation.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji: Kodama Inari Daimyojin】

Characterized by its striking red torii gates, this Inari shrine is located on the slope of the azalea garden.

It enshrines Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto. While Shiofune Kannon-ji is a Buddhist temple, the presence of this Shinto shrine is a remnant of Shinbutsu-shugo (the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism) from before the Edo period.

【Shiofune Kannon-ji Nearby Tourist Spots】

Tennei-ji Temple, Kobaku Shrine

高峯山 天寧寺【東京都】

虎柏神社【東京都】

【Shiofune Kannon-ji Access】

Admin’s Impressions

Shiofune Kannon-ji is a place where “natural topography” and “Japanese spiritual devotion” harmonize perfectly. The 20,000 azaleas filling the “bowl-shaped” valley are overwhelming; unlike a flat flower field, you feel completely immersed, as if surrounded by a literal wall of flowers. Beyond the blossoms, the temple is home to an incredible number of National Important Cultural Properties. While the azalea season is peak, it is a deeply satisfying destination year-round just to admire the ancient architecture and giant trees.

Scale

 (4)

Accessibility

 (2)

History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (3)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Address of Shiofune Kannon-ji

194 Shiofune, Ome City, Tokyo 198-0011

※Paid parking available (700 yen during the Azalea Festival).

Approx. 10 minutes by car/taxi from JR Ome Line Kabe Station.

Official Website of Shiofune Kannon-ji

参考

塩船観音寺 公式ホームページ　花と歴史の寺　新東京百景　青梅塩船　　About english

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