Anpuku-ji Temple (Shiroishi)

What it is

• A Tendai Buddhist temple reportedly founded during the reign of Emperor Shomu.
• The 38th site of the Kyushu 49 Yakushi Pilgrimage.
• Rebuilt during the Keicho era after being burned down in 1574.
• The inner sanctuary is commonly referred to as Mizudo-san.

What to see

• A wooden standing statue of Sho-Kannon serving as the main deity.
• A stone pagoda from 1319 designated as a town cultural property.
• Sacred water that emerges during specific ritual periods.

When to go

• The Demizu Hoyo ritual takes place annually during the summer.
• The sacred water ritual lasts for a period of 90 days.

Getting there

• Accessible via a 10-minute taxi ride from Hizen-Shiroishi Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.