Nyoirin Kannon Temple, Nagata Kannon

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.