Temples in Japan hold limited-period viewings of their icons, particularly the rarer and more valuable ones that are actively worshipped. This means there is a constantly changing calendar of rare opportunities available and is a huge draw for those who enjoy the history of Buddhist art. Some temples show a certain statue or painting on just one day each month or on one day annually (often as part of a memorial); others display an object once a year or even less frequently than that. This is called kaichō or kaihi. The extraordinary 7th century Guze Kanzeon bodhisattva was strictly hidden, even from monks, for 200 years. We are so lucky to be able to view it today even if that is only possible twice a year (see Major Upcoming Viewings This Year below March listings). Enthusiasts of art plan visits Japan to correspond with viewing periods, and a rich, unique itinerary can be compiled according to the kaicho calendar.

This month, of particular note for rarity and historical significance are the Batō [Horse-headed] Kannon (Daianji Temple), the 11-Headed Kannon (Hokkeji Temple), the Kichijo Tennyo (Joruriji Temple), and the Murōji Temple statues. The vast assembly of dolls at Tsubosakaera Temple is a departure from the usual temple interior and is a (literally) staggering – and very pretty – sight. In fact, the whole town displays dolls inside and outside their residences during the month of March. See listings below.

SCHEDULE

Regular Views:

Ogenji Temple, Higashi Narukawa-cho 東鳴川観音講(応現寺)

The first Monday of each month (9am-4pm)

Fukukensaku Kannon

Later Heian period (11^th C?)

Taimadera Temple Naka-no-Bo Hall 當麻寺中之坊

The 16^th of each month（1:30pm-3pm）

The “Guiding” Kannon (Michibiki Kannon)

Heian Period (9^th-12^th C)

Special Views:

Fukuchiin 福智院

March 17^th -23th

Standing 11-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva

Daianji 大安寺

March 1^st, 2024 – March 31^st (9am-5pm) (Entrance up to 4pm)

Bato Kannon [Horse-headed Kannon] (Secret Buddha)

Tsubosakadera Temple, Large Hall 壷阪寺大講堂

March 1^st-April 18^th (8:30am-5pm)

Daihinamandara – Large Doll Mandala

Hokkeji 法華寺

March 20^th-April 7^th (9am-4:30pm) (Entrance up to 4pm)

11-Headed Kannon (National Treasure)

Joruriji Temple Main Hall 浄瑠璃寺　本堂

March 21^st – May 20^th (9am-5pm) (Entrance up to 4:30pm)

Kichijo Tennyo (Secret Buddha. Important Cultural Property)

Kairyuoji Temple Main Hall 海龍王寺 本堂

March 23^rd – April 7^th (9am-5pm) (Entrance up to 4:50pm)

11-Headed Kannon

Kinpusenji 金峯山寺

March 23^rd 2024 – May 6^th (8:30am – 4pm) (allow for times when entrance is not possible due to ceremonies in the hall)
The 3-statue main icon (Zao Gongen)

Muroji 室生寺

March 30^th – May 6^th (9am-3pm) (Last entrance 2:30pm)

The Golden Hall (Kondo) in which there are statues of Shaka Nyorai (Sakyamuni), Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), Monju (Manjusri), Juni shinsho (12 Heavenly Generals).

Major Upcoming Viewings This Year:

Horyuji, Yumedono Hall 法隆寺夢殿

April 11th -May 18th (8am-5pm)

Guze Kanzeon bodhisattva

Shoryakuji 正歴寺

April 18^th-May 8^th

Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)

Saidaiji 西大寺

April 20^th-May 10^th

Treasure Hall Opening

Kofukuji 興福寺

April 20^th-May 6^th

Opening of Hokuendo (Northern Circular Hall) & 3-Level Pagoda (with Benzaiten Goddess)

Fuku’in 不空院

April 26^th-May 6^th

Fukukensaku Kannon (Important Cultural Property)

Secret Buddha Uda Benzaiten

Shomyoji 称名寺

May 15^th

Amida Nyorai (Important Cultural Property)

Shaka Nyorai (Important Cultural Property)

Toshodaiji 唐招提寺

May 19^th

Kakujo Shonin portrait statue (Important Cultural Property)

June 5^th-7th

Ganjin Wajo portrait statue (National Treasure)

August 23^rd-24^th

Jizo Bodhisattva (Important Cultural Property)

Ryosanji 霊山寺

May 19^th

Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) (Important Cultural Property)

Gakko Bodhisattva (Moonlight Bodhisattva) (Important Cultural Property)

Kasuga Shrine (Important Cultural Property)

Akishinodera 秋篠寺

June 6^th

Daigensui Myoo (Wisdom King)

Kikoji 喜光寺

June 14^th-August 12^th

Secret Buddhas: Benzaiten and Uga

Todaiji 東大寺

July 5^th (shown after a ceremony)

Chogen Shonin portrait statue (National Treasure)

Denkoji 伝香寺

July 23^rd (for the renewal of robes)

Jizo bodhisattva

Kozenji 興善寺

September 19^th-25^th

Kangyo Mandala (観経曼陀羅) (Painting)