For the first time in 84 years, Mimurotoji Temple in Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, will unveil its principal image, which is usually hidden from the public, from October 1 to the end of November. Since last year, temples in "Saikoku Sanju Sankasho," or 33 places in the western part of Japan, which are holy sites of Kannon worship, have cooperated with one another, and consecutively shown their principal images to the public, taking three years to complete the event. Mimurotoji Temple staff said, "This is a rare opportunity. We hope visitors can form a connection with the principal image."

Saikoku Sanju Sankasho are comprised of Kannon-related temples located in the Kinki Region's six prefectures and Gifu Prefecture. The simultaneous opening of principal images was planned because last year was the 1,000th anniversary of the death of the ordained Emperor Kazan, who is said to have been the restorer of the Saikoku Kannon holy sites. The principal images of 17 of the 33 temples are not open to the public. This March, Chohoji Temple, also called Rokkakudo, in Kyoto, revealed its principal image for the first time in 136 years.

"Senju Kanzeon Bosatsu," the principal image of Mimurotoji Temple, is said to be "Asuka-butsu," a general term for Buddhist statues created in the Asuka Period. Its public opening will be held for the first time since 1925, during the Taisho Period. "Eko-bashira," a huge wooden pole with Sanskrit characters written on it, is also installed in front of the main hall. Eko-bashira and the principal image are connected by a five-colored rope so that visitors can form a connection with the principal image by touching the pole.

On the first day, the ceremony for unveiling the principal image will be performed at 10:00 a.m., and it will be shown to the public from noon. Following precedent, "Nainai-jin Haikan," a special opening in which visitors can view the principal image from a short distance away, will be also held. There is a 500 yen admission fee for viewing, and an additional fee is also necessary to enter the temple grounds. The principal image will be exhibited from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call Mimurotoji Temple at 0774-21-2067.