Kitamuke Kannon

Kitamuke Kannon is a sacred Kannon site said to have been founded by Jikaku Daishi Ennin in the early Heian period. The hall is built in the unusual direction of facing north, as it is said to face toward the Zenkō-ji Buddha who faces south, arranged to meet face to face. This Kannon, nestled deep within Bessho Onsen, is particularly renowned for granting benefits in this life. It is said that "only by visiting both Zenkō-ji and Kitamuke Kannon can one receive complete blessings," and many pilgrims visit this premier spiritual site of Shinshū. Combined with the atmosphere of the hot spring region, it is a sacred place that heals both body and spirit.