Tachiki Kannon Temple

Founded according to tradition by the priest Kukai, Tachiki Kannon sits on a mountain beside the Seta River, reached by a winding staircase of more than 800 steps lined with stone lanterns and statues. The climb takes about 30 minutes and passes through cedar forest where road noise fades and birdsong takes over. The main hall enshrines a 1.6-meter wooden Kannon figure reputedly carved by Kukai from a sacred tree on the mountainside and said to be the same height as Kukai himself. The statue is not on public display, but visitors can pray at both the front and rear of the main hall. A second hilltop plateau holds the temple bell and the Okunoin guardian shrine.