The statue is officially known as the 'White-Robed Kannon of Ōfuna' and is a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The interior of the statue is accessible to visitors, containing a collection of Senju Kannon statues.
The project was originally envisioned as a massive 30-meter-tall statue before being scaled down.
The statue’s design aesthetic blends modern materials with traditional Buddhist iconography to symbolize peace.
During construction in the 1930s, the incomplete statue was dubbed the 'Ghost Kannon' by locals due to its looming, abandoned appearance.
Ōfuna Kannon-ji is dominated by the 'Shiro-Kannon,' a hollow, 25-meter-tall white concrete statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon overlooking the city of Kamakura. Construction began in 1929 but was suspended due to World War II, finally reaching completion in 1960. The hollow interior of the statue houses a small altar and a series of miniature Kannon figures. The temple grounds are situated on a steep hill directly accessible from the nearby rail corridor. Unlike many traditional wooden temples in the region, the site utilizes reinforced concrete for its primary religious architecture. The statue serves as a memorial for victims of the war and atomic bombings.
From the lower temple plaza looking up toward the statue to capture its full scale against the skyline.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the path from the base of the hill to the temple entrance is steep.
Bring a handkerchief or small towel if visiting during humid summer months.
Look for the panoramic view of the Shonan coastline and Mount Fuji visible from the temple terrace on clear days.
Attempting the steep walk during heavy rain, as the paved incline can become slippery.
None.
Maintain a quiet tone within the temple grounds and when entering the interior of the Kannon statue; photography is generally permitted outdoors but may be restricted inside the altar area.
