[Wakasa Town] Mikataishi Kannon - A space where people's thoughts and healing reside.

2026.10.09

Sanpoishi Kannon is a sacred site that enshrines the "One-Handed Kannon," said to have been created by Kobo Daishi, and is a hidden Buddha believed to bring healing to the hands and feet. In October 2026, it will be unveiled for the first time in 33 years, and a healing space will unfold where the local people's feelings breathe life into the natural surroundings of the approach to the temple and the collection of offerings in the Hand and Foot Hall.

October 2026 will mark the first public unveiling in 33 years.

I'm Yamada , a writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa area. I cover tourism information for Tsuruga City, Mihama Town, Wakasa Town , Obama City Oi Town, Oi Town, and Takahama Town(2 cities and 4 towns), but I live in Obama City . When I go to Wakasa Town, which is next to Obama City, as well as Mihama Town and Tsuruga City for interviews, I almost always use my car. I take National Route 27. After entering Wakasa Town from Obama City , I see a sign that reads "Sanpoishi Kannon." However, it's impossible to see it from Route 27. I've been curious about it, but I haven't been able to visit until now. However, I heard that it will be properly opened to the public for the first time in 33 years, so I went to interview them in advance.

Kobo Daishi and the Three-Sided Stone Kannon

Mikataishi Kannon is the seventh temple on the Hokuriku Kannon Pilgrimage and also a special temple on the Wakasa Kannon Pilgrimage. Its principal image is "Holy Kannon Bodhisattva." It is said that about 1,200 years ago, Kobo Daishi stopped by this place and carved Kannon Bodhisattva into a large rock. He worked on it all night, but when he heard the crowing of the rooster announcing the dawn, he left the Kannon Bodhisattva with only the right elbow and forearm carved out. For this reason, the principal image is also called "One-Handed Kannon." Because of this characteristic, it is believed to bring healing to the body (especially hands and feet), and many people have come to worship there since ancient times.

Sanpoishi Kannon and Main Hall

Initially, worshippers would create their own handprints or footprints representing the body parts they wished to heal and offer them as a votive offering. Currently, worshippers borrow handprints and footprints (handprints for the upper body and footprints for the lower body) that are offered before the altar in the main hall. Morning and evening, they chant "Namu Daiji Daihi Ishi Kannon Bosatsu" while gently rubbing the handprint or footprint on the affected area, praying for recovery from their illness. Once they are fully recovered, they return the handprint or footprint. At that time, they purchase a new handprint or footprint and offer it before the altar in the main hall. This is called "hand-delivery," and it is believed that the faith of the previous person is transferred to the new handprint or footprint, thus accelerating the recovery of the next person who borrows it. In the Handprint and Footprint Hall on the temple grounds, many of the donated handprints and footprints are stored.

Many handprints and footprints are dedicated at the Hand and Foot Hall.

A healing space unfolds from the approach to the main hall.

The path from the approach to the main hall is paved, but the surrounding area is rich in nature. A short climb from the large parking lot leads to an observation point where you can enjoy a view of Lake Mikata. Along the way, you will find statues of Kannon, Kobo Daishi, and the Six Jizo, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere that continues all the way to the main hall.

Observation deck/gazebo

View of Lake Mikata from the observation deck

Kobo Daishi Monument

Damming Jizo

Kobo Daishi statue

Six Jizo statues

The Chicken Crowing Stone is a massive rock from which villagers once heard the sound of chickens crowing. A replica of the chicken that is said to have announced the dawn to Kobo Daishi has also been recreated. Please be sure to see this as well. The beauty of nature in each season, including bonsai plums, cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves, will also soothe the hearts of visitors.

The Chicken Crowing Stone. It features a stone statue of a chicken that announced the arrival of morning to Kukai.

2026 will be the first public unveiling of the main image of Buddha in 33 years.

(Main Hall) When the main hall is open to the public, the door behind the Kannon statue opens, allowing visitors to worship the principal image.

The principal image of the Sanpoishi Kannon is a hidden Buddha, and is unveiled only every 33 years. 2026 marks exactly 33 years since the last unveiling in 1993, and will take place over five days, from October 16th (Friday) to 20th (Tuesday). During this period, a Goma ritual will be performed by mountain ascetics on October 16th (Friday), a memorial service for Reverend Haruyama Rindo on October 17th (Saturday), and a procession of children, a grand unveiling ceremony, and a Dharma talk on October 18th (Sunday). A large number of visitors are expected. During this period, visiting hours will differ from normal. There will also be traffic restrictions, so please be careful when using parking. (Those arriving by car should use the designated parking area and then take a shuttle bus.)

For more details, please refer to the information on the official website of Mikataishi Kannon.

Opening hours for worship: Friday, October 16th: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, October 17th to Tuesday, October 20th: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

About the opening of the Mikataishi Kannon statue : https://mikata.main.jp/%E5%BE%A1%E9%96%8B%E5%B8%B3

The Mikataishi Kannon is managed by the local people. This is not only for the benefit of the community, but also out of consideration and hospitality for visitors. Come and experience for yourself the space that feels as if it has blended into nature, where the various feelings of the people have come together.

[Mikataishi Kannon] 22-1 Mikata, Wakasa-cho, Mikata-Kami-Naka- Wakasa Town, Fukui Prefecture TEL & FAX: 0770-45-0017

Visiting hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM *Opening hours may differ during special public viewings.

Mikataishi Kannon Official Website : https://mikata.main.jp/

[Interview date: September 10, 2026]

Yamada , Writer promoting the charms of the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas, Fukui Prefecture Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team

We also share the charm of the area on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tsurugawakasa_writer

I share glimpses of my life as a member of the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team and behind-the-scenes stories from my interviews on note : https://note.com/reinan_writer53