Abuto Kannon (Bandaiji Temple)
This vermilion temple rising above the blue sea on a jagged cliff is the stuff that Japanese art is born of. Abuto Kannon (also known as Bandaiji Temple) is perched precipitously above the Seto Inland Sea.
Ukiyo-e Art
This temple was immortalized by ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige. Ukiyo-e art literally means “pictures of floating world” and usually depicts beautiful courtesans, city life, or romantic landscapes. Utagawa Hiroshige is considered the last great master of the ukiyo-e art tradition. He lived from 1797–1858.
Abuto Kannon was built in 1570 and is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple. It is dedicated to fertility and the goddess of mercy. It has long been a site to pray for safe travel and the blessing of a baby.
The main hall gives visitors a breathtaking view of the sea. A narrow terrace surrounds the temple with a very low rail (literally only about 15-18 inches tall). As with many temples and shrines, you have to remove your shoes before you walk out on it.
Kayaking Around the Temple
There are kayaking tours that will take you around the temple for about $80-$135 depending on the length of time you want to kayak. I wish I had discovered this information prior to my trip, because I would have loved to have taken some pictures from the water and from the front of the temple. Plus I just think that would be a cool experience.
It’s an easy walk out to the temple and surprisingly not that many steps. There is parking and the entrance fee is 100 yen (for my friends in the states, that’s about .98 cents). If you are in the area, this is a unique temple to visit.
Happy Exploring!
Kari
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