【Shrines in Japan】Sasano Kannon, a power spot in Yonezawa

Sasano Kannon, a power spot in Yonezawa

Sasano Kannon, located in Yamagata Prefecture, was built 1200 years ago.It was built in 806 by the monk Tokuichi Shonin.

The main hall was destroyed by fire in 1833.

Ten years later, in 1843, the current building was rebuilt.

About 7,100 people were involved in the rebuilding, including carpenters, laborers, roofers, stonemasons, and carvers.

This is an episode that shows how important this Kannon-do was.

The Sasano Kannon is also a place that shows different expressions depending on the seasons.

※kannon=Avalokiteshvara

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Before visiting a shrine, we purify ourselves with this water.

Wash your mouth first, then your hands.This is the Japanese way.The reason we do this is because we need to cleanse our bodies before we can meet God.

Sasano Kannon’s Events

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In January, the biggest festival of the year, the Jushichido Festival, is held every year on January 17th. 　This festival is a Shinto ritual in which Yamabushi (mountain priests) pray for Sai-tou Goma.（Shibatō goma prayer is an event in which a large fire is made outdoors using straw and gomagi.）

In the latter half of the festival, a large gomadan is burned, and after a fire-walking ceremony by yamabushi, worshippers walk barefoot on the lit gomadan to pray.

This festival is held every year on January 17th.

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In June, the hydrangeas planted in the precincts bloom, and citizens go out to see these flowers.

The best time to see hydrangeas is from late June to July.　This hydrangea is free to visit.

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This is Sasano Kannondo in winter.It’s also the time of year when festivals are held.

Sasano Kannon is a beautiful sight in every season!　If you are ever in Japan, please go see this shrine!

Sasano Kannon Location and Information

Address	5686-5 Sasanohonchou, Yonezawa, Yamagata
Access	about 13 minutes by car from JR Yonezawa Station. about 30 minutes by bicycle from JR Yonezawa Station
English signage	none