Abuto-kannon Temple (Bandai-ji Temple)

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Abuto-kannon is also known as the Bandai-ji Temple and is located in the southern part of the Numakuma Peninsula in Fukuyama city. Like many temples, it is still considered a sacred religious spot with many people visiting this Buddhist Temple to pray for healthy children and safe travels.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. Apart from praying, people also arrive at the Abuto-kannon to enjoy the impressive scenery that blends in amazingly with the clear ocean and the rock surfaces that surround the temple. The main attraction is the Kannon Hall (an important cultural property of Japan), which is well known in many regions of the country. The Abuto-kannon temple is located on a cliff that is 20 meters high, which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. The sanctuary’s exterior is coated with lacquer, which helps the temple to blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape.

• Abuto-kannon Temple:
• Opening Hours - 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Admission Fee - 100 yen (adults), 50 yen (Junior high school student and younger)

History

Daimyo (feudal lord) Motonari Mori (1497 - 1571) completed the beautiful Abuto-kannon Temple during the Muromachi era in 1570. Legend has it that a pious man by the name of Jirouemon, who lived close by in the city Tomo, was fishing by the Abuto Cape when he caught a bright stone relic of Kanzeon (Kannon) in his fishing net. Upon consulting with a priest from the Bandai-ji Temple, the Kanzeon relic was then placed on top of the Abuto Cape, an act that sparked conversation all through the surrounding villages. Upon hearing the story, Mori decided to step up and construct the temple to act as the guardian of the sea for all the sea travelers. The temple was maintained by the feudal lords from the Fukuyama-han including Mizuno who ruled in the Kanbun era (1661 - 1673), as well as Abe who ruled during the Anei era (1772 - 1781).

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

Kannon Hall - It is an important cultural property of Japan.

Festival & Events in Fukuyama (dates can change without notice)

May

Fukuyama Rose Festival (20th - 21st)
After World War 2 the rose park was created by people who had started planting 1000 roses in order to decorate the destroyed town and to cheer up its people. To never forget this time the Fukuyama Rose Festival was created in 1967.

August

Fukuyama Summer Festival (13th - 15th)
You will find party places all over the city. The highlights are Niagari-odori dance contest, Summer Night Fureai Festival and fireworks held over the Ashida River.