Bato-in

Bato-in is a temple of the Shingon-shu Chisan sect located in Nakagawa Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture. Nestled in the quiet countryside, the temple has long been a center of local devotion. It enshrines Bato Kannon, the horse-headed bodhisattva, and is believed to bring blessings of household safety, good health, and traffic safety. In earlier times when horses were essential to daily life in this region, faith in Bato Kannon took deep root here. Today the temple continues to offer peace and solace to visitors amid its naturally beautiful surroundings.