The principal Kannon statue is said to have been carved by Tokuichi, a influential priest who brought Buddhism to the Aizu region.
The statue is officially designated as a National Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
The wooden Kannon is traditionally believed to be carved from a tree that was still growing when the sculptor began his work.
Pilgrims have visited this site for over 1,200 years as part of the Aizu Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage.
The temple structure is built into the sloped terrain, requiring visitors to navigate wooden stairs leading to the main hall.
Kintosan Eryuji, commonly known as Tachiki Kannon, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Aizubange, Fukushima, renowned for its 8.5-meter-tall wooden statue of the eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva. The central image is carved directly from a single living cherry tree that remained rooted in the earth, which gives the temple its name, Tachiki (standing tree) Kannon. Founded in the early Heian period by the monk Tokuichi, the temple serves as the 21st station on the Aizu Sanjusankasho pilgrimage route. The temple grounds are situated on a hillside overlooking the Aizu Basin, offering significant elevation changes throughout the site. The current main hall dates back to the Edo period and houses several designated cultural properties. The temple is surrounded by a forest that turns vibrant red and gold during the autumn season.
The view from the temple balcony overlooking the Aizu Basin and the valley floor.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the terrain includes significant stone steps and uneven ground.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the tall Kannon statue inside the hall.
Visit during late October or early November to see the surrounding maple trees in peak autumn color.
Attempting to climb the hill in restrictive formal footwear or during heavy winter snowfall when paths can become slippery.
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings; maintain a quiet voice; refrain from photographing the interior statue unless explicitly permitted by signage.
