新山千手観音堂

Gazing up at Shinzan Senjukannon Temple, can you imagine climbing the long staircase that leads to its entrance? The Shinzan Senjukannon Temple, also known as An’ei Shichikannon Number Two Junrei Place, stands in a residential area of Hiroshima’s Nishi Ward, close to the Kannon-higashi First Park. It’s on a hill, providing views of Hiroshima’s cityscape. From the temple grounds, you can see Kannon-higashi and Kannon-chuo, along with the Asa Bridge and the Miyuki Bridge, spanning the Taida River floodway. Originally, the Thousand-Armed Kannon statue, a central figure in the temple, resided in the Hyakkaen Garden in Kannon town. In 1929, it was relocated when the Daigen Osake Company built its headquarters and the Kannon Hall at the statue’s location. The temple itself was moved to its present location in eastern Itōpia in 1974. The Shugoshindaigen Osake company also relocated to the same area, reconstructing their premises behind the temple. The temple grounds offer more than just stunning views. Streetlights illuminate the area, creating a pleasant atmosphere for nighttime visits. A strategically placed bench offers a comfortable spot to take in the cityscape. From inside the temple grounds, the view expands. It takes in the bridges over the Taida River floodway and the nightscape of southern Hiroshima, centering around Hiroshima Bay. While usually closed, the temple opens on March 18th, allowing visitors to view the Kannon statue within. The climb to the Shinzan Senjukannon Temple might discourage some, but the views and the history make it well worth the effort.