Osaka｜Visit Katsurai Temple to see wisteria and white wisteria and worship the 1300-year-old 11-faced Thousand-armed Guanyin statue up close
The most beautiful wisteria flowers in Osaka are in this season, and the famous wisteria flower spot Katsurai-dera Temple in the south is in full bloom. After entering the temple, the flower shed on the right hand side, the welcoming wisteria is just an appetizer. Facing the main hall, there is a large flower shed on the left hand side. The wisteria is swaying in the wind under the sun, and the white wisteria is quietly emitting fragrance.
This ancient temple, built in the second half of the seventh century, is the fifth of the 33 Guanyin temples in the western part of the country. The temple enshrines the Guanyin statue from the Nara period - the 11-faced Thousand-armed Guanyin, which has been designated as a national treasure of Japan and is the only ancient Buddha statue in Osaka. On the 18th of every month, a special visit is held, where you can experience the thousand-year history up close.
It is said that this ancient Buddha statue was specially created by Emperor Shomu to ward off evil. It was made using techniques popular in the Nara period. It was made of clay and then covered with linen to shape it. Finally, sawdust and dry lacquer were used to carefully create the 11 faces and thousand arms. This technique is more difficult than that of the bronze Buddha. For thousands of years, it has been the center of faith for the people of Osaka. Because of this ancient temple, the place name became Gejingsi City.
What is special is that the incense here is burned in a lying position, with the incense lying in a radiant shape in the incense burner. Believers will fan the smoke onto their bodies, symbolizing blessings.
📍Address: 〒583-0024 Fujiiji 1-chome 16-21, Fujiiji City, Osaka Prefecture
🚗Take the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line to Katsuraidera Station, which is a five-minute walk away.
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