Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Ofuna Kannon on a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide. Ofuna Kannon is a Soto sect temple located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and its symbol is a huge white-robed Kannon statue approximately 25 meters long. In this article, we will tell you what Ofuna Kannon is, what route we took to get there, what to see, and information about motorcycle parking.
Construction of Ofuna Kannon began in 1929 as a Kannon for the protection of the country at the initiative of local volunteers, but it was discontinued due to the war. Later, the Ofuna Kannon Association was established and completed in 1960. Currently, it is a religious corporation as a Soto sect temple. Ofuna Kannon is a half-body statue with only the part visible above ground; the lower half of the body is not buried in the mountain. Inside, there is a salon-style exhibition room where you can see miniature versions of Kannon statues and photo panels. At night, it is lit up and looks beautiful. In addition to Japanese people, there are also many visitors from Southeast Asia, and the lanterns dedicated to the shrine are lined with names from many different countries. Every September, a festival called “Yume Kannon in Ofuna” is held, where monks from Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and other countries are invited to perform memorial services and perform folk dances.
This time we toured on a Harley from central Tokyo to Ofuna Kannon. The starting point is Sumida River Ohashi. From here, take Shuto Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line and transfer to Kanagawa No. 1 Yokohane Line via Wangan Line. At Kinko JCT, take the Kanagawa Route 2 Mitsuzawa Line, pass through Yokohama Shindo, and exit onto National Route 1. Go south on National Route 1, enter Loop Route 3, and arrive at Ofuna Kannonji Temple via Prefectural Route 402. The journey takes approximately 1 and a half hours.
When you arrive at Ofuna Kannonji Temple, the first thing that catches your eye is the Sanmon Gate. At the Sanmon gate, you pay the entrance fee and enter the temple. Admission fee is 300 yen for adults (high school students and above), 100 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students), and 200 yen for groups (20 or more people). Infants are free.
As soon as you pass through the Sanmon gate, you will find the main hall. In the main hall, you can worship the principal image of Sho Kannon Bodhisattva. Sho Kannon Bodhisattva is a bodhisattva who is compassionate and rescues those who suffer, and is one of the most worshiped bodhisattvas in Japan. To the left of the main hall are the Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial Monument and the War Memorial Monument, which commemorate the atomic bomb victims and war dead. Let’s put our hands together and pray silently here.
To the right of the main hall is a huge white-robed Kannon statue, which is the symbol of Ofuna Kannon. This Kannon statue is approximately 25 meters high and weighs approximately 1,900 tons. There are stairs inside the Kannon statue, and you can climb up to the head. From the top, you can see the city of Ofuna and Sagami Bay. There is also a salon-style exhibition room inside, where you can see miniature versions of the Kannon statue and photo panels. In the exhibition room, you can learn about the history of Ofuna Kannon and how it was built.
There are also statues of Jizo statues and zodiac animals inside the temple. Jizo is worshiped as a guardian deity for children and travelers. It is said that if you touch the animal statues of the zodiac signs that correspond to your zodiac sign, you will receive good luck. Please take a walk inside the temple.
There is no motorcycle parking lot at Ofuna Kannonji Temple. Guests must use nearby coin parking or public parking. There are several coin parking lots and public parking lots around Ofuna Station and along Prefectural Route 402. Be sure to check prices and availability in advance.
This time I went on a Harley tour from central Tokyo to Ofuna Kannon. Ofuna Kannon is a Soto sect temple whose symbol is a huge white-robed Kannon statue, and is visited by many worshipers not only from Japan but also from Southeast Asia. Inside the temple, you can feel the history and culture, with the principal image of Sho Kannon Bodhisattva and a memorial monument for the atomic bomb victims. There is also an exhibition room and an observation deck inside the Kannon statue, from which you can see the city of Ofuna and Sagami Bay. There is no motorcycle parking lot inside the temple, but there are coin parking lots and public parking lots nearby.
Ofuna Kannon is a wonderful spot located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Please stop by when touring on your Harley.
