Ofuna Kannon

Kannon

A quick train ride from us is a Buddhist temple with a huge Bodhisattva Kannon, which is a goddess of mercy and eternal peace. The construction of the Kannon started in 1929 and was completed in 1960. The statue stands 82ft tall and was erected as a symbol for world peace and unity. Toward the back there is a door leading inside the statue, where you will find a small museum and sacred space. The Kannon is not the only piece of history at this temple though. There is also a statue for protection of children and child-birth, and a statue for warding off evil. There is also a section dedicated to Hiroshima and the souls lost due to the bombing. Pieces of stone structures are displayed that were scavenged from ground zero of the atom bomb, and a stone lamp stands holding an eternal flame that was lit from the flames and embers burning after the atom bomb hit.

The Ofuna Kannon-ji temple is a beautiful place, loaded with flowers, wonderful views, and a lot of history. Today it is used as a special place for people from around the world to visit and reflect on the past, learn from history, and hope for a bright future with peace on earth.

Eternal flame from the atom bomb

Flame close up

Stone rubble from ground zero in Hiroshima

Protection for children

Inside the Kannon

Inside the Kannon