Bubby and Sissy Take Japan!: 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.