Guida
Mizusawa Kannon (officially Mizusawa-ji of Gotokusan) is a profound Buddhist temple located in Ikaho-cho, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture. With a history spanning approximately 1,300 years, it is celebrated as the 16th site of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The central deity, the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Thousand-eyed Kannon, is deeply revered as 'Yuzu Kannon'—a deity that 'bestows' or 'grants' the wishes of the people, particularly regarding wealth, health, and safe childbirth. The temple grounds are filled with spiritual energy and historic structures.
The origins of this temple date back over 1,300 years. Legend says the central deity was once the personal deity of the daughter of a local ruler. During the Edo period, the temple held significant status, even being treated as a prayer temple for the Tokugawa Shogunate; this prestige is still visible in the 'Mitsuba Aoi' (three-leaf hollyhock) crest found in the decorations of the main hall. As a prominent Tendai sect temple, it has served as a vital cultural and spiritual center for the region for centuries.
The heart of the temple is the Main Hall (Kannon-do), where the Eleven-faced Thousand-armed Thousand-eyed Kannon is enshrined. Directly opposite the main hall sits the Ryuo Benzaiten, where a sacred spring is said to bring both wealth and healing. Another unique tradition is found at the bell tower: striking the bell is believed to increase one's financial luck. Visitors can also find shrines dedicated to the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, allowing for personalized prayers based on one's birth year.
Mizusawa Kannon is open for visits throughout the year. On weekdays, the temple is open from 9:00 to 16:00, while on weekends and public holidays, the hours extend from 8:00 to 17:00, allowing for slightly earlier morning visits. While the scenery changes with the seasons, the temple is particularly pleasant to walk through during periods of mild weather. A popular local tradition is to pair your visit with a meal of 'Mizusawa Udon,' a famous local specialty, in the surrounding area.
During your visit, you can offer incense at the main hall or strike the bell at the bell tower to pray for health and prosperity. Please note that striking the bell requires a fee of 100 yen per strike. You can also experience a deep connection to tradition by praying to the zodiac deities or participating in the ritual of receiving sacred water from the spiritual spring. At the reception desk, you can also purchase Goshuin (temple stamps) and various amulets related to the zodiac signs.
Mizusawa Kannon is located near the famous Ikaho Onsen hot spring area. After your spiritual journey, we highly recommend enjoying the local specialty, Mizusawa Udon, at one of the many nearby restaurants. The temple is easily accessible by car via the Shibukawa-Ikaho IC, making it an ideal stop when planning a sightseeing route through Gunma.
Please observe standard temple etiquette during your visit. It is highly recommended to carry cash (small change or 1,000 yen bills) for offerings or for the bell-striking activity. For clothing, we suggest comfortable walking shoes as there are steps and uneven paths within the grounds. Please check the rules regarding photography in specific areas of the temple. While no reservation is required, it is wise to check the official information if you plan to visit during peak times.