Find Purification Fountain Full of Colorful Seasonal Flowers! －”Yanagagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple” Enshrining Goddess of Eyes

“Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple(柳谷観音楊谷寺)” is one of the ‘Kyoto Nishiyama-Sanzan(京都西山三山) including Yoshimine Temple and Komyoji Temple. The nearest station is Nagaokatenjin Station and JR Nagaoka Station, but it’s located in a quiet mountain area a little far away from those stations. In recent years, Chozuya(手水舎, purification fountain) in the precinct has been a hot topic on social media. Its temple has become a popular healing spot for not only the elderly but also among young women.

“Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple” is called the goddess of eyes of Kyoto. Koubodaishi(also known as Kukai) had kept prayed as soon as he saw the blind little monkey washed its eyes with spring water. Then, the monkey’s eyes became able to see on the last day of his praying. Therefore, it is believed that the holy water ‘Oko-zui(独鈷水)’ at the temple heal the disease of the eyes. There is a beautiful suikinkutsu(type of Japanese garden ornament) in the precinct so that blind people feel its temple’s atmosphere.

In addition, the temple festival is held on the 17th of each month. Only the day, there are shuttle buses from the east exit of Hankyu Railway Nishiyama Tennozan Station and the west exit of JR Nagaokakyo Station. The statue of the goddess with eleven faces and 1,000 arms is opened to the public, besides, you can get some special red stamps such as ‘眼力’ and ‘LOVE御朱印愛力’.

It is also a famous spot for the beautiful Hanachozu(花手水, a purification fountain full of flowers). From early April to July and autumn every year, seasonal flowers float on the surface of the water (In 2021, 1st June – 30th September). The flowers including hydrangea and autumn leaves are more colorful than the seasonal scenery spreading out in the precinct. It is sure that you will take the photo unintentionally.

Furthermore, you can participate in some events such as making pressed flowers and the Shabutsu experience (copying Buddhist images). Why not enjoy the relaxing time through such special events?