Heiwa Kannon

Constructed in 1961, this giant standing statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, has become a symbol of the city of Nirasaki. The statue depicts Heiwa Kannon, an incarnation of the bodhisattva known in English as Kannon of Peace. Nirasaki is located at the southernmost end of the Shichiriiwa Plateau, which extends from the border with Nagano Prefecture to the center of Nirasaki for about 30 kilometers from north to south. From its position on a hill in the city center, the Heiwa Kannon statue serves as a very visible call for world peace and is a prayer for the safety of mountain climbers. The brilliant white sculpture is 18.3 meters tall, including its base, has a face that is 2.6 meters long, and can be seen from most places in the city.

From a vantage point in front of the statue, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nirasaki. Towering mountains, including Japan’s Southern Alps, surround the city and the Heiwa Kannon faces toward a stunning view of Mount Fuji. The view from the hill is a humbling reminder of the scale of Yamanashi’s mountains. In spring, pink cherry blossoms frame the scene perfectly, making the statue a popular spot for photographers. It is even possible to see the shape of the Kofu Basin in which Nirasaki sits. Below and to the statue’s left is Nirasaki Station, which is a 10-minute walk down the hill.