Anjo-ji Temple, Gojo
An eleven-faced Kannon remembered through a princess’s childbirth story
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Access has not been verified. Check current local guidance before planning a visit.
Gojo, Nara, Japan
Read the sourcesVisit essentials
A quick read before you go
- Etiquette
- Give worshippers space and ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Overview
Anjo-ji in Gojo venerates an eleven-faced Kannon as Koyasu Kannon, associated with prayers for conception and childbirth. Its publicly shared stories connect the temple with En no Gyoja and the imperial family. The neighbouring Uchi Shrine remains a distinct place, despite their intertwined religious history.
Why this place is sacred
A separate founding story associates prayers here with the birth of the future Emperor Shomu. Keeping these accounts distinct preserves their particular people and settings.
Experience and orientation
The temple gives its address as 4-6-15 Imai, Gojo, Nara.
Context and lineage
In the temple’s account, Princess Inoe suffers difficult labour while travelling in exile. An elderly man, understood as Kokusho Myojin, directs her to pray to Anjo-ji’s Kannon, and she gives birth safely. The temple relates this through an origin record dated 1703. It is a devotional story about compassion in danger, not contemporary clinical testimony.
Traditions and practice
The temple describes present-day visits for childbirth and conception prayers. It also identifies itself as stop six of the Yamato Shin-Shikoku pilgrimage. Participation in a service should be arranged with the temple; the stories do not prescribe a practice for every visitor.
Buddhism
ActivePerspectives and open questions
Devotional accounts express religious meaning; they do not establish medical outcomes.
Plan your visit
Use its contact and access information to confirm visiting arrangements. Opening times and step-free access have not been established for this profile.
Respectful visit
Give worshippers space and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. Follow the custodian’s directions.
Location
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Pilgrim reflections
A portrait of encounter, not a score
Pilgrims describe what they felt, how present they could become, and whether the place would shape a journey. There are no stars and no ranking of traditions.
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Nearby sacred places
Explore other sacred places in the region. Proximity does not establish access or travel time; check each place’s guidance.
References
Sources consulted for this page. Source categories describe the publication, not a guarantee that every claim is verified. Traditional accounts and outside interpretations may differ.
- 01Koyasu Kannon — Anjo-jiSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
- 02Anjo-ji Temple — Anjo-jiSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
- 03Contact and access — Anjo-jiSource contextReviewed source for identity, narrative, devotional association or access.
- 04Anjo-ji Temple, Gojo — location referenceSource contextCoordinates and identity only; not religious authority.
Pilgrim glossary
- Kannon
- The bodhisattva of compassion, central to many East Asian pilgrimage routes.
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