About Heiwakannon

Heiwa Kannon (Peace Goddess of Mercy), located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a huge statue of the Goddess of Mercy built to pray for peace, and is a symbolic presence that watches over Utsunomiya City. The statue stands 27 meters tall and was carved from the ruins of an Oya Stone quarry, giving visitors an overwhelming sense of presence. Since the Kannon statue itself is carved from Oyaishi, a specialty of Utsunomiya, it is known as a tourist attraction that combines local specialties and history.

The main attraction of Heiwa Kannon is its majestic appearance and overwhelming sense of scale. A quiet and peaceful atmosphere surrounds the statue, bringing peace of mind to visitors. There is a space below the statue, from which visitors can look up and be overwhelmed by the statue's sheer size. The interior of the statue is accessible via a staircase, and a viewing area on the statue's chest provides a panoramic view of Utsunomiya City and the mountains in the distance. Especially on a clear day, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the expanse of the Kanto Plain and the Nasu Mountains, making it a popular spot with spectacular views.

The natural environment around Heiwa Kannon is another attraction. Surrounded by lush greenery, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring and autumn leaves are beautifully colored in the fall, making each season different and ideal for a relaxing stroll. The tranquil setting of the Kannon statue and the harmony of nature provide visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility.

Furthermore, Heiwa Kannon is close to other tourist attractions such as the Otani Museum and Otani Temple, making it a popular sightseeing route. In particular, visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Utsunomiya by visiting in combination with the Otani Museum, which is the site of the Otani Stone quarry. Visitors can also get a sense of the history and technology behind the Heiwa Kannon while experiencing the architecture and artifacts made of Oyaishi stone.

All in all, Heiwa Kannon is a sightseeing spot where the overwhelming scale of the huge statue of the Goddess of Mercy and the surrounding natural beauty are in harmony. As a place to heal the soul and enjoy the spectacular view, it leaves a strong impression on visitors as a symbol of peace. As a place to visit for sightseeing, worship, and relaxation, it is one of the highlights of sightseeing in Utsunomiya.