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Hyaku-Shaku Kannon: A Guardian Carved in Stone

A towering tribute to peace and compassion, the Hyaku-Shaku Kannon offers stunning views and a serene spiritual experience on Mount Nokogiri.

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The Hyaku-Shaku Kannon is a 30-meter tall stone carving of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, located on Mount Nokogiri in Kyonan, Chiba. Carved into the cliff face between 1960 and 1966, it serves as a memorial to those who died in World War II and in traffic accidents, and is a protector of transportation.

A brief summary to Hyaku-Shaku Kannon

  • 184 Motona, Kyonan, Motona, Awa District, Chiba, 299-1901, JP

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the mountain trails and temple complex.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike.
  • Check the weather forecast, as the ropeway may close during inclement weather.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the Nihon-ji Temple grounds and see all the major sights.
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Getting There

  • Train & Walking

    From Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line to Chiba, then transfer to the JR Uchibo Line to Hamakanaya Station. From Hamakanaya Station, it's about a 10-minute walk to the Nokogiriyama Ropeway. The ropeway costs 930 yen for a round trip for adults and 450 yen for children. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain from Hota Station, which takes about 20 minutes to Nihon-ji Temple. The entrance fee to Nihon-ji Temple is 600 yen for adults and 400 yen for children.

  • Car

    Take the Aqua Line and Tateyama Expressway to the Futtsu-Kanaya exit. Follow Route 127 south. The Nokogiri Toll Road entrance is just after a half tunnel. The toll is 1000 yen. Parking is available near the summit, but it can be limited. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the Hyaku-Shaku Kannon.

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Discover more about Hyaku-Shaku Kannon

The Hyaku-Shaku Kannon (百尺観音), or 'Hundred-Shaku Kannon,' is a towering relief of the Kannon Bodhisattva, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, hewn directly into the rugged cliffs of Mount Nokogiri. The term 'Hyaku-Shaku' refers to a unit of length, approximately 30.3 meters, indicating the statue's impressive height. Carved between 1960 and 1966 on the site of a former stone quarry, the statue serves as a poignant memorial to those who perished in World War II, victims of illness, and those who have died in traffic accidents. Revered as a protector of marine, air, and land transportation, the Hyaku-Shaku Kannon embodies compassion and solace. Its location on Mount Nokogiri, also known as 'Sawtooth Mountain' for its distinctive jagged peaks, adds to the site's spiritual and scenic appeal. The mountain itself is steeped in history, having been a source of Boshu stone since the Edo period. Visitors to the Hyaku-Shaku Kannon can appreciate not only the artistry and scale of the sculpture but also the serene atmosphere and panoramic views of the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay. The site is part of the larger Nihon-ji Temple complex, one of the oldest in the Kanto region, featuring a giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu) and thousands of smaller rakan statues. Exploring the mountain trails and discovering these hidden carvings offers a unique and memorable experience.

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