The Ukimi Kannon-do, which has deep connections to the great Buddhist priest, Tenkai, was also worshipped by both Ieyasu Tokugawa and Iemitsu Hidetada.
It is said that the 12 years old Hyoutaro Funaki (who later became the great monk Tenkai) discovered this Dobutsu Juuichimen kannon half buried in a race paddy. It is also said that in 1559, Jourin created a smaller, wooden version of the kannon, and placed it inside the larger kannon statue.
The original Kannondo was located nearly 500 meters south from here, but it has been relocated to within the Ryukoji Temple precincts.
Ryukoji Temple is an old temple, as made apparent by its connection with the great priest Tenkai; it is also known for housing the Heian period national treasure, the Ichijirendai Hokekyou Lotus Sutra.
日本遺産 平成28年度認定
The Lotus Pedestal Character Lotus Sutra includes preface and conclusion (9 volumes)
- National treasure
- Owner: Ryukoji temple
- Re-designated date: March 29, 1952
The sutra book has pedestals shaped like a lotus flower and one letter of the sutra is written on each pedestal. This is a great sutra written by worshiping three times for each letter they wrote. The lotus pedestal color is green, indigo, light yellow, vermillion and etc. They are beautifully harmonized with Japanese style font.
This is a work from Heian period (especially Fujiwara period) and is one of three national treasure in Fukushima prefecture.
Aizumisato Town Board of Education