Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon (Jigen-in Temple)

高崎白衣大観音（慈眼院）

The Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon is a giant white statue of the Buddhist figure Kannon on Kannonyama hill in Takasaki City. It is 41.8 meters tall and was built in 1936 by Takasaki businessman Inoue Hozaburo. Inside the statue there are 20 Buddhist figures, and you can climb up to the ninth floor. From the windows you can see Takasaki city, the three mountains of Gunma and the Kanto Plain. The statue belongs to Jigen-in Temple.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

Inside visit: March–October 9:00–17:00; November–February 9:00–16:30.

Admission

Inside visit: high school age and older 300 yen; junior high and younger 100 yen.

Getting there

From JR Takasaki Station about 25 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by taxi.

By car, about 20 minutes from Takasaki IC or Maebashi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Kannonyama summit parking is currently free (end date not decided).
From the windows on each floor inside, you can see Takasaki city, the three Jomo mountains and the Kanto Plain.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Inside the statue there are 20 statues of Buddhas and high priests, and you climb 146 steps to reach the statue's shoulder height (9th floor). Visitors may simply look around.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Gunma and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.