Temple · Shibayama
Shibayama Nioson (Kannonkyoji Temple) 芝山仁王尊 観音教寺
A temple founded in 781, famous across Kanto for its guardian-king talismans against fire and theft, with a massive zelkova-wood Nio gate, an 18th-century main hall and an Edo-period three-storey pagoda.
About
Known to everyone as Shibayama Nioson, Kannonkyoji was reputedly founded in 781 by the courtier Fujiwara no Tsugutada and enshrines an eleven-headed Kannon. Its fame comes from the fierce Nio guardian kings in the great all-zelkova gate: talismans printed with their image have been taken home for centuries to protect houses from fire and burglary. The main hall dates from 1721 and the slender three-storey pagoda from around 1826, and the wooded grounds include the temple's small treasure museum. The Shibayama Kofun and Haniwa Museum is a five-minute walk away.
Highlights
- Grand zelkova-wood Nio gate with fierce guardian kings
- Talismans against fire and theft
- Main hall from 1721
- Edo-period three-storey pagoda
- Five minutes from the Haniwa Museum
Tips
- Shibayama town's community bus runs from Shibayama-Chiyoda Station and JR Matsuo Station
- Combine with the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, about 10 min by car
- Pick up a Nioson talisman as an unusual souvenir
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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Open in the appNearby
- Shibayama Kofun & Haniwa MuseumMuseum · 220 m away
- Museum of Aeronautical SciencesMuseum · 5.9 km away
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