Ofusa Kannon, officially known as Jumuryozan Kannonji, is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition located in Obusa-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion. The temple is affectionately known as the “Temple of the Floral Mandala,” thanks to the many flowers that decorate its grounds throughout the year.
Located roughly midway between Mount Miminashi and Mount Unebi, two of the Three Mountains of Yamato, the temple is easy to reach and offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Its seasonal blossoms, tranquil gardens, and spiritual atmosphere make it a popular destination for worshippers and visitors alike.
The temple’s origins date back to 1650, during the Edo period. According to local tradition, a statue of Kannon appeared from Koigafuchi Pond while riding on a white turtle. A young woman from the neighborhood named Ofusa witnessed this miraculous event and was so deeply moved that she built a small hall at the site.
Ofusa later received an image of the Eleven-Headed Kannon from Kannon-in, a temple associated with the Kitadani area of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. She enshrined the image in the small hall, establishing the foundation of what is now Jumuryozan Kannonji.
The present main hall was rebuilt during the Meiji period with donations from local residents. The temple has continued to be supported by the faith and generosity of the surrounding community. A bronze temple bell cast in 1690 once stood on the grounds, but it was surrendered for metal collection during World War II in 1944 and no longer survives.
The main hall, rebuilt during the Meiji period, enshrines the Eleven-Headed Kannon as its principal object of worship. This bodhisattva is revered for protection against misfortune and for prayers for recovery from illness. Visitors come to offer prayers and seek blessings for health and well-being.
The temple’s garden, known as Enku Garden, is a peaceful place to enjoy the changing seasons. A pond called Kame-no-Ike lies at its center, surrounded by flowers that bloom throughout the year. The garden is especially beautiful during the rose season, when its colorful blossoms create an enchanting setting for a leisurely stroll.
Ofusa Kannon is particularly famous for its roses. The grounds are home to approximately 3,800 varieties and more than 4,000 rose plants. Most are grown in pots, allowing visitors to admire the flowers up close and appreciate their fragrance.
During the annual Rose Festival, the temple grounds are filled with color and the scent of roses. The abundance of blooms creates a spectacular floral display that has earned the temple its reputation as the “Temple of the Floral Mandala.”
Konpira-son Shrine: A small shrine dedicated to Konpira-son.
Daishi Hall: A hall associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai, the revered founder of the Shingon Buddhist tradition.
Sabō Ofusa: A café where visitors can take a relaxing break after exploring the temple.
Tokkian Tea House: A traditional tea house within the temple grounds.
Ebisu-son Shrine: A shrine dedicated to Ebisu, a deity associated with good fortune and prosperity.
Nishi Shoson-do Hall: This hall enshrines the three revered figures known locally as the “Three Deities of the West”: Tamaki no Okami, Aizen Myoo, and Benzaiten.
Higashi Shoson-do Hall: This hall houses the “Four Deities of the East”: Jizo Bosatsu, Shoichii Inari Daimyojin, Miroku-son Stone, and a deity of good fortune.
Bell Tower and Main Gate: These structures contribute to the traditional atmosphere of the temple grounds.
Ofusa Kannon hosts events throughout the year, attracting visitors who come to enjoy its religious traditions and seasonal flowers.
Ebisu Grand Festival: Held in mid-January.
Spring Grand Festival: Held on April 17 and 18.
Rose Festival: Held from May 15 to June 30 in spring, and from October 19 to November 30 in autumn.
Wind Chime Festival: Held from July 1 to August 31, when the sounds of wind chimes add a distinctive atmosphere to the temple.
Summer Festival: Held on July 17.
Dementia Prevention Grand Festival: Held on September 15, alternating each year with Abe Monju-in.
Autumn Grand Festival: Held on October 17 and 18.
By JR train: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Unebi Station on the JR Sakurai Line.
By Kintetsu train: Approximately a 12-minute walk from Yagi-Nishiguchi Station.
By bus: Take a Nara Kotsu bus from Yamato-Yagi Station and get off at the Obusa bus stop. The temple is about a five-minute walk from there.
Ofusa Kannon combines centuries of Buddhist history with the beauty of a garden that changes with the seasons. From its traditional halls and peaceful pond to its celebrated rose displays and summer wind chimes, the temple offers a relaxing place to appreciate both spirituality and nature. A visit is especially rewarding during the Rose Festival, when the grounds become a vivid floral landscape.