What is the best time to visit Nagata Kannon Temple?

The most popular times to visit are during Hatsuuma (First Horse Day) and Ninouma (Second Horse Day) festivals when large numbers of worshippers gather for special prayers and celebrations. For a quieter experience, visiting on regular weekdays allows for peaceful contemplation. The temple is open year-round and welcomes visitors regardless of religious affiliation.

Is there an admission fee to enter the temple?

General admission to the temple grounds is free. However, if you wish to receive special prayers or blessings for warding off misfortune, there will be separate fees for those services. The temple offers various prayer services including misfortune-warding prayers, ancestor memorial services, and water child memorial services.

Can visitors ring the temple bell themselves?

Yes, the misfortune-warding bell within the temple grounds can be freely rung by visitors. This is one of the unique interactive experiences at Nagata Kannon, allowing worshippers to personally participate in the ritual of warding off evil spirits and bad fortune. This practice is open to all visitors regardless of their religious background.

Is there parking available at the temple?

The temple has a spacious parking area for visitors arriving by car. The parking lot is particularly large to accommodate the significant crowds during festival days. For those using public transportation, the temple is located just a 3-minute walk from Kiinagata Station, making it easily accessible without a vehicle.

Wakayama

Nyoirin Kannon Temple (Nagata Kannon), Kinokawa

4.3 (369)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Nagata Kannon, formally known as Nyoizan Yakuyoke Kannonji, is a Buddhist temple in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture. The temple was founded in 921 AD by Nenbutsu Shonin, and its official name and sacred poem were bestowed by Emperor Uda after he abdicated and became Kanpyo Hoin. The temple belongs to the Shingon sect and is commonly known as Nagata Kannon due to its location in the former Nagata manor.

The temple's principal deity is Nyoirin Kannon (the Wish-Fulfilling Jewel and Wheel Bodhisattva), and the temple is renowned for its powers of warding off evil spirits and misfortune. In 1585, the temple was destroyed during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conquest of Kishu, but the main statue miraculously survived and was placed in a temporary grass hut. The temple was rebuilt in 1622 by monk Doyo Sonsha from Satsuma Province, and later became a prayer temple for the Tokugawa family of Kishu when domain lord Tokugawa Yorinobu reconstructed the main hall. The temple grounds feature the Tokugawa family's three-leaf hollyhock crest in various locations.

Visitors can freely ring the bell within the temple grounds to ward off evil spirits, and the temple is especially popular during Hatsuuma (First Horse Day) and Ninouma (Second Horse Day) festivals when large numbers of worshippers visit. The temple welcomes visitors of all religions and denominations. Those who receive misfortune-warding prayers benefit from year-long continuous prayers performed by the temple. The temple also houses other deities including Benzaiten, Dakiniten, and Mizuko Kuyo Jizo.

The temple is accessible by train from JR Wakayama Station via the Wakayama Line, getting off at Kiinagata Station followed by a 4-minute walk. By car, it is 3 kilometers or approximately 5 minutes from the Kinokawa IC on the Keinawa Expressway. The temple does not charge admission fees for general visits.

Phone

+81 736-73-3566

Website

www.nagatakannon.or.jp

Overview

Address

Japan, 〒649-6554 和歌山県紀の川市別所５８

Places & attractions near Nyoirin Kannon Temple (Nagata Kannon), Kinokawa

Totsui Limestone Cave, Yura

Yunomine Onsen, Tanabe

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Places & attractions near Nyoirin Kannon Temple (Nagata Kannon), Kinokawa

Totsui Limestone Cave, Yura

Yunomine Onsen, Tanabe

Kokokuji Temple, Yura-cho

Shirahama Beach, Wakayama

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Nagata Kannon's Hatsuumai! The horse is the most powerful of the zodiac animals, so the first day of the horse in the old lunar calendar is called "Hatsuumai," and people pray for a bountiful harvest and good health throughout the year. What's more, it is said that just visiting for seven days, including Hatsuumai and the seven days before it, will bring you a year's worth of blessings. Many worshippers come on Hatsuumai, so a temporary parking lot is opened free of charge. There are many food stalls along the road from the parking lot to the temple grounds, making it very lively. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained and feature magnificent pine trees and large rocks. On the day, you can also ring the giant temple bell, which is said to bring good fortune. A recommended itinerary is to visit the temple in conjunction with the Mekkenmon Market, a direct-from-the-farm market in Kinokawa City.

K.K

Jun 1, 2026

I came to visit on Sunday. It's a quiet and lovely place. There were a few people coming to pray.

I visited on Hatsuuma Day. There was free parking nearby. It's conveniently close to the station. It's uphill from the station. There are gravel areas within the temple grounds, so watch your step. There are Japanese-style restrooms. There is one Western-style toilet. You can pray for protection from evil spirits and traffic safety here. To register for a prayer, fill out a form and go to the counter. You then pay at another counter. There were instructions, so the process went smoothly. When visiting the main hall, you need to take off your shoes and climb the stairs. There are also amulets and fortune-telling slips available.

I find solace in the spacious garden filled with blooming cherry blossoms. I want to go back again and again.

Kannonji Temple in Kishu is famous for its power to ward off evil. Judging from the surrounding terrain, roads, and train station, it seems the temple has held considerable influence since ancient times. I had a brief conversation with the head priest and his son and daughter. I heard some interesting stories.