Ryozen Kannon

Buddhist statue Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan

What to expect

Ryozen Kannon is a war memorial commemorating the dead of the Pacific War located in Eastern Kyoto. The 24m tall concrete statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Kannon) is a symbol of peace and compassion. The temple complex includes a memorial hall for the 2 million Japanese who died in World War II, as well as a memorial for the unknown soldiers of World War 2. Visitors can enter the body of the statue to see an enshrined Eleven-headed image of Kannon and explore the grounds, which feature a large reflecting pool, a main hall, and a shrine to pray for aborted and miscarried fetuses. The temple also offers a unique wishing stone experience, where visitors can write their wishes on a paper disc and hang it in the temple. The complex is a peaceful oasis, with beauty, history, and power to rival many of the more well-known temples in Kyoto

Plan your family visit to the Ryozen Kannon with these blog insights 👇

Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the 80-foot Buddha, Ryozen Kannon, and walked around the statue

Highlights: The kids enjoyed the Buddha's stone footprint ✨

Kyoto With Kids | A Fun 3 Day Itinerary For Families

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the memorial, which is dedicated to those who died in the Pacific War, and saw the large statue of the white-robed Kannon

Highlights: The kids were amazed by the large statue and the peacefulness of the memorial. It was a reflective experience ✨