Koyama Shoryu Daikannon

Rising on the hilltop of Koyama in Haki, Asakura, overlooking the hot spring resort of Harazuru, Koyama Shoryu Daikannon is a giant statue of the Kannon standing 28 meters tall including its pedestal. Said to be the largest rising dragon Kannon in the country, it is cherished as a lesser known power spot for fortune and prosperity, especially blessings of wealth and luck.

Tradition holds that walking once around the statue brings a blessing, and walking twice means the Kannon will accompany and protect you. The grounds also feature a zodiac sanctuary enshrining guardian Buddhas for each birth year, a Kannon for warding off senility, and a replica circuit of the thirty three Kannon sites of Kyushu, offering plenty to see.

Highlights

• The rising dragon Kannon, an overwhelming presence at 28 meters tall, with many smaller Kannon images set within its pedestal
• A walk around the statue praying for wealth and luck, drawing a steady stream of visitors who seek fortune here
• The zodiac sanctuary where you can pray to the guardian Buddha of your birth year, and the Kannon for warding off senility
• Views of the Chikugo plain and the Harazuru hot spring area from the hilltop, and clear vistas on fine days

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the surrounding mountains come into bud, and in autumn the foliage adds color. Standing on high ground, the site offers wide views, and in the clear seasons the Chikugo plain stretches far into the distance. The Harazuru hot spring resort spreads out at the foot of the hill, making the spot easy to fold into an itinerary that pairs sightseeing with a soak. As a quiet, lesser known place, it suits those who wish to spend a leisurely time.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 871-4 Haki Shiwa, Asakura, Fukuoka
• Access: About 10 minutes by car from the Haki interchange on the Oita Expressway, or about 10 minutes by car from the Haki bus stop on the Nishitetsu bus
• Hours: Roughly 8:30 to around 17:00
• Admission: Free to view; a 100 yen offering brings you incense and a candle
• Parking: Free parking on the grounds, room for about 100 cars

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: For clear views, aim for a daytime visit in the crisp air of autumn or winter, or the softer light of dusk
• Avoiding crowds: Usually fairly quiet, though the New Year period and long holidays draw more worshippers. A weekday morning is the calmest choice
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour to circle the statue and see the zodiac sanctuary and other features
• Nearby real spots: The Harazuru hot spring resort and the Michi no Eki Harazuru roadside station lie close by, handy for a day bath, a meal, or shopping
• Budget guide: The visit itself is free to a few hundred yen; add a day bath at Harazuru and figure from the low thousands of yen

A Quick Tip

If you wish for better luck with money, walk around the statue with a sincere heart. The site sits atop a hill reached by a winding mountain road, so drivers should take the curves with care. The grounds are spacious with much to see, so it is best to visit with time to spare.

📚 Sources

Information on the Koyama Shoryu Daikannon can be confirmed through public sources from Asakura City and on-site guidance, and details on Harazuru Onsen at the foot of the hill and the Harazuru roadside station are also helpful. Opening hours, guidance on the twelve-zodiac sanctuary, and the operations of nearby facilities may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to circle the Kannon statue and take in the twelve-zodiac sanctuary. Allow half a day combined with Harazuru Onsen.
• What to bring: It sits on a rise with a walking approach, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The airy, open outlook can be breezy, so a layer suited to the season adds comfort.
• Suggested route: Circle the Kannon statue and the twelve-zodiac sanctuary and enjoy the view over the Chikugo plain, then combine a day-trip bath at Harazuru Onsen at the foot of the hill and a meal or shopping at the Harazuru roadside station.