Tsu Kannon: One of Japan’s Three Great Kannon Temples

The capital of Mie Prefecture is Tsu, a city best known for its historic Tsu Kannon temple. Famous as one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon Temples, it was once an essential stop for pilgrims traveling to Ise Shrine. Even today, Tsu Kannon remains a captivating destination, offering visitors a mix of history, spirituality, and cultural charm — all in a relatively quiet part of town.

Tsu Kannon: A Temple Steeped in History

Tsu Kannon, formally called Kannonji Daibōin Temple, dates back to 709. A fisherman reportedly caught the sacred Kannon statue in his net at Akogigaura in Mie, the temple’s original location, which led to its founding. Pilgrims and worshippers have revered the statue for centuries, making Tsu Kannon a spiritual hotspot long before modern tourism.

The temple once sprawled across a vast area with many sub-temples. Over the centuries, the grounds shrank, but the temple retained its importance and charm. Today, visitors can walk through the site and still feel the echoes of devotion, imagining the pilgrims who once flocked here.

Daimon District: History and Nostalgia

The area surrounding the temple, called the Daimon district, once formed Tsu’s lively downtown alongside the Marunouchi district near Tsu Castle. Today, the streets feel quieter and nostalgic. Many shops in front of the temple have closed, partly because the district lies a short walk from the station. Despite the calm, visitors can step back in time and envision the bustling Edo-period town.

Right in front of the temple runs the historic Ise Kaido. This road branches off from the Tokaido near Yokkaichi and leads to Ise. During the Edo period, countless pilgrims walked this path to visit Ise Shrine. Many paused at the temple to pray and pay respects. Walking along the same route today, you can picture travelers in straw hats carrying walking sticks. They might pause for a quiet moment in the temple’s shadow.

The Spiritual Heart of Tsu Kannon

The main hall (hondō) enshrines the principal Kannon statue, along with several other important Buddhist figures, including Ko Amida Sanzon. Pilgrims historically considered this statue a representation of the Buddhist realization of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess of Ise Shrine. This connection made Tsu Kannon a must-visit stop for travelers on the Ise pilgrimage.

Although much of the complex has been rebuilt, it still impresses visitors. The current main hall opened in 1968, while the wooden five-story pagoda, rebuilt in 2001, towers majestically, echoing the grandeur of the temple in earlier centuries.

Treasures and the Museum

Over its long history, the temple has collected numerous treasures, including ancient Buddhist artifacts and religious items. The museum opens about four times a year, letting visitors view these objects and appreciate the centuries of devotion they represent.

Visiting Tsu Kannon lets you walk in the footsteps of generations of pilgrims. You can enjoy the serene grounds and experience a unique slice of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage.