Eryuji and the Standing Tree Kannon

Eryuji in Aizu-Bange Town, Fukushima, is an old temple known for a huge Kannon statue said to have been carved directly into a living standing tree. The eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon, said to be cut into a rooted tree, stands over eight meters tall and is counted among the Aizu Korori Three Kannon, a sacred site known to a discerning few. Standing quietly in a gentle Aizu village, the moment you step into the hall the towering figure takes your breath away.

Highlights

• A giant eleven-faced thousand-armed Kannon, about 8.5 meters in total height and about 7.4 meters in figure height, said to be carved into a still-rooted standing tree. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
• A group of statues arranged around the Kannon and the solemn air filling the hall, with figures such as the Twenty-Eight Attendants placed as if to guard the main image.
• The Kannon hall itself is a historic building, also carefully preserved as a cultural property.
• A storied history of faith as one of the Aizu Korori Three Kannon, carrying to the present a faith that prays for a peaceful passing.
• A calm temple setting standing quietly in a peaceful Aizu village.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery add color to the old temple. Summer keeps the green-wrapped grounds cool, while a quiet time of prayer flows in the hall. Autumn colors the surrounding fields and mountains, and in winter the old temple looks all the more solemn amid the deep snows of Aizu. Spring with lovely cherry blossoms and greenery, and autumn when foliage stands out in the clear air, are especially easy seasons to visit alongside a journey through the Aizu region.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Matsubara, Toji, Aizu-Bange Town, Kawanuma District, Fukushima.
• Access by car is convenient, about 10 minutes from the Aizu-Bange IC on the Banetsu Expressway, and easy to reach from the Aizu-Wakamatsu area.
• By public transport, it is about a 25-minute walk from Toji Station on the JR Tadami Line, or a few minutes by car from Aizu-Bange Station.
• Viewing hours are roughly from 9 am to around 4 pm, with admission of a few hundred yen as a guide.
• The Kannon is viewed by looking up inside the hall, so allow plenty of time. It is reassuring to check the opening hours and admission in advance.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: Spring with cherry blossoms and greenery and autumn with foliage are especially recommended. Mornings within viewing hours have soft light and let you view the hall calmly.
• Avoiding crowds: Numbers rise somewhat during the Aizu Korori Three Kannon pilgrimage season and holidays, so weekdays or right after opening are ideal.
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour to view the giant statue and stroll the grounds.
• Nearby spots: A tour of the Aizu region pairs well with the other two of the Aizu Korori Three Kannon (Torioi Kannon and Nakada Kannon), the streets of Aizu-Bange, and Tsuruga Castle and Mt. Iimori in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
• Budget feel: Admission is a few hundred yen. Including transport and meals, you can enjoy it as part of an Aizu tour for a few hundred to a few thousand yen.

A Quick Tip

You feel the power of the huge Kannon statue when you step inside the hall and look up close. Working it into a journey around the Aizu Korori Three Kannon is also recommended. As viewing hours are fixed, arriving while avoiding late afternoon lets you pray with time to spare.

📚 Sources

Information on Eryuji and its Standing Tree Kannon can be confirmed through public sources from Aizubange Town and Eryuji and on-site guidance, and details on the eleven-headed thousand-armed Kannon designated an Important Cultural Property and on its standing as one of the Aizu Korori Sankannon are also helpful. Viewing hours and fees may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to view the great statue and stroll the grounds. Allow half a day to a full day combined with the Aizu Korori Sankannon or Aizu-road sightseeing.
• What to bring: The viewing fee is a few hundred yen, so small change is handy. You look up at the statue inside the hall, so take your time. Viewing runs roughly from 9 a.m. to about 4 p.m., so avoiding the late afternoon leaves you unhurried.
• Suggested route: Look up at the roughly 8.5-meter eleven-headed thousand-armed Kannon inside the hall, then combine the other Aizu Korori Sankannon, Toritsuki Kannon and Nakata Kannon, the streets of Aizubange, and Tsurugajo and Iimoriyama in Aizu-Wakamatsu for an Aizu-road tour.