The temple was established in 1958 after part of the spiritual embodiment from the Narita-san Shinshō-ji Temple which is well-known throughout Japan for housing Fudō myōō (Ācala) was given to it.[1][2]
Jibo Kannon
The Jibo Kannon of the Jeweled Gates of Good Fortune is the fourth tallest statue in Japan, and the twenty-fourth tallest in the world. This birch bronze monument depicting Avalokitesvara stands 62 metres (203 ft) tall.[3] The temple was spending ¥2 billion (approximately $50 million) to build a large statue of Kannon and the work was completed in 1982.[2][4]
The dot on her forehead is a gold plate 30 centimetres in diameter encrusted with 18 three-carat diamonds, and her ornamental necklace contains an arrangement of a crystal and 56 jade stones. The baby she cradles is 13 metres (43 ft) long.[2][3]
Visitors take a spiral staircase to the platform providing a panoramic view of the area, as far as Mount Unzen in the distance.[2]
The Hell and Paradise Museum
The Hell and Paradise Museum (Gokuraku-den (極楽殿)), a replica of Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, is built on the temple grounds.[5] It features dramatic, graphic recreations of scenes showing Buddhist heaven and hell.[4]
Access
From Nishitetsu Kurume Station, board a bus towards Yame Eigyōshō. Get off the bus at "Kamitsu Machi," approximately 15 minutes from the train station.[4]