I visited the temple on July 18th, 2026, as part of the opening of the Mogami Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage. I went to Karamatsuyama Gokoku-ji Temple, the 5th temple of the pilgrimage, Karamatsu, whose principal image is the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, said to have been created by Kobo Daishi. At the temple's stamp office, I received a stamp for the 5th temple of the Mogami Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, along with a hymn and a talisman.
R8.6.6
Yamagata City [Karamatsuyama Gokoku-ji Temple卍]
This is my first visit 🤗
Across the Mamigasaki River, there is a parking lot and a beautiful bridge.
(The original Nabetaro, used for imoni (taro stew), is also there 🥔)
I'm amazed that they were able to build on such a nearly vertical cliff in an era without the technology we have today 🤔
The wisdom and skills of people from the past are incredible 💡
I also received a handwritten goshuin (temple stamp) 🤗
Thank you for your kind service 🙇
Although believed to have been founded during the Heian period, details are unclear. Stories suggest it was built by a wife to commemorate her husband who died in battle, or that a noble princess who eloped with a charcoal burner enshrined a Kannon statue here. During the Edo period, the temple complex was established with the support of the feudal lord, but none of the original buildings remain, and the cantilevered main hall was rebuilt in the Showa era. The view from the stage is obstructed by a wire mesh fence where fortune slips are tied. While this is unavoidable for safety reasons, it detracts from the experience. However, the building itself, though small, has a certain charm. There appears to be a building that serves as the temple office, but it is often shuttered, and a sign indicates that those with business should go to the head priest's residence. It seems that temple stamps are also available there.
While it's worth a visit, it's not exactly packed with sights to see. However, the area around Karamatsu Kannon is the venue for the famous "Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival," and the original large pot used in the festival is displayed in the parking lot across the river. It's considerably smaller compared to the current one. The main hall is positioned so that it fits behind the handle of the pot. At a glance, it's instantly recognizable as Yamagata, and in a way, it's the most Yamagata-like scenery. It's not that far from Yamagata city center, so if your travel itinerary allows, it's well worth a visit.
This is Karamatsu Kannon. Karamatsu Kannon is its common name; its official name is apparently Karamatsu-san Gokoku-ji.
It is located on the right bank of the Mamigasaki River and is the fifth temple on the Mogami Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage.
It is also apparently one of the Ten Scenic Views of Yamagata.
According to legend, the temple's founding began when Tota the charcoal burner (father of Kichiji the gold merchant) lived in Hozawa and enshrined his wife Toyomaru-hime's personal Buddha image in a cave on Karamatsu-san.
A parking lot has been built on the opposite bank of the Mamigasaki River, complete with a beautiful bridge, which I found very convenient.
Fireflies can apparently be seen in the vicinity. It is a place rich in nature, after all. I would love to visit someday.
You can get a temple stamp at the temple office across the bridge.
Its appearance, built on an almost vertical cliff, is truly breathtaking.
The principal image is a statue of the Holy Kannon Bodhisattva, said to have been created by Kobo Daishi.
This Kannon Hall makes you wonder how it was built in this location.
Looking up from below, it's deeply moving to think that it was built one by one, risking one's life, in a time before the conveniences of today.
There are also Jizo statues along the way.
The Kannon statue isn't very large, but it has a very gentle face.
The view from above is also wonderful, and the only sound you can hear is the sound of the river flowing, making it a good Kannon Hall for quietly reflecting on oneself.
However, those unfamiliar with such places should probably avoid visiting in winter.
