Ganryuji Temple in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a quiet space enveloped in moss-covered greenery and soft light, where ancient Buddhist statues stand in harmony with nature. It is a peaceful temple where you can lose track of time.
The temple houses a standing statue of Shokannon, a standing statue of Eleven-Headed Kannon, Nio statues, Six Jizo Pagodas, Jizo Bodhisattva, and Yakushi statues, all of which are filled with Buddhist beauty and have unique expressions.
The Buddhist statues at Kanbuji Temple were not made by a single sculptor, but are said to be a collection of statues made by local stonemasons from the late Muromachi period through the Edo period as donations and memorial services.
A beautiful fantasy created by the reflections of light and humidity
Gamburiji Temple has an unusual history
During the anti-Buddhist movement in 1869 (Meiji 2), Kanryuji Temple, located in Gohei Town, was abandoned, but was later rebuilt by merging with Genroji Temple in Minamimachi, making it a temple with an unusual history. Legend has it that Nakao Morikuni (son of Shimazu Motohisa), a monk with ties to the Shimazu clan, founded the temple in Gohei Town during the Nanboku-cho period.
A hidden story told in the “Gamburiji” area that has been passed down through generations
“A temple where small prayers are more likely to be answered than big wishes”
There is a local legend that says that there is a small amount of stone powder remaining in the grooves where the stone Buddha was carved, which is why it is called “The Buddha that contains the powder particles.” The particles represent people’s small wishes, and this is said to have given rise to the theory that “this is a temple that grants small wishes without fail.”
“A stone to lighten the heart”
In one corner of the temple grounds, there is a place where a number of small round stones have been placed. This has been there since ancient times. According to local legend, if you pick up one of the small stones in front of the stone Buddha, take a deep breath, and then return it to its original place, one of the impurities in your heart will disappear.
Information on Kanryuji Temple in Kanoya City, Kagoshima
2650 Minamimachi, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 893-0043
https://maps.app.goo.gl/d5mfhzGE7GuN7NQK8
[Established] 1429, Muromachi Period
[Temple Stamp] None
[Access] Car: 80 minutes from Kagoshima Airport / 15 minutes from Kanoya City
[Parking] 3-4 spaces available below the temple grounds
[Opening Hours] 24 hours
[Buddha Statue Viewing] Available
[Advance Notice Required] Unknown
[Admission Fee] Donation
[Website] None
