IwateTravel

Kamaishi Daikannon, Sekioun Zen Temple

Flow of the course

About 75 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Experience the Blast Furnace of the UNESCO World Heritage Hashino Iron Mine at Life-Size in a Theater: Museum of Iron History, Birthplace of Modern Iron Smelting

About this spot

A pristine 48.5-meter-tall white Kannon statue stands at the tip of the Kamazaki Peninsula overlooking Kamaishi Bay. She holds a unique form—the Fish Basket Kannon—and faces toward the harbor as if watching over the sea's safety and bountiful catches. The interior is built with 13 levels of stairs; climbing to the Fish Basket Observation Platform rewards you with sweeping views of Kamaishi Bay and the Sanriku Rias Coast. The striking contrast between the azure sea and the white statue is breathtaking, and friends will find themselves endlessly taking commemorative photos. The interior also houses thirty-three Kannon statues and the Seven Lucky Gods. The approach path's Nakamise-dori (traditional shopping street) is lined with retro-charmed shops. As a cherished symbol of Kamaishi—a town of iron and fish—it is a spectacular spot befitting the start of your journey.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car from Kamaishi Station; also accessible by local bus. Since you'll be climbing interior stairs, comfortable shoes are recommended. The approach path climbs uphill, so bringing water is a good idea. The observation platform can be windy, so watch out for your hat.