Anyoji Temple

It was reportedly founded by Chisho Daishi, the founder of the Tendaijimon Sect in 862, and was converted to the Jodo Shin Sect. It is worshipped in particular by worshippers of Jodo Shin Sect as the former place where the Protective Myogo Stone [with the Shin Sect’s doctrine] that reportedly saved Saint Rennyo from difficulties used to be placed. The principal image, a wooden seated statue of Amida Nyorai was reportedly made by Gyoki in the late Heian Period [between the mid-11th and the late 12th centuries] and was designated as an Important Cultural Property. The temple has a statue of Tachigiki [means overhearing] Kannon who was mesmerized by the sound of a Japanese lute played by Semimaru, a Japanese lute master, and apparently changed into a figure of a monk to come to listen to Semimaru playing lute every night. The temple also has a wooden statue made by Saint Rennyo himself.