Temple · Shiofune / Ome

Shiofune Kannonji 塩船観音寺

An ancient Ome temple set in a natural amphitheatre whose slopes are completely covered in about 20,000 azalea bushes. In late April and early May the whole bowl turns pink, red and white, with a giant white Kannon statue watching from the rim.

About

Shiofune Kannonji traces its founding to the 7th century and its name to the shape of the surrounding valley, which looks like a ship (fune). Its thatched Gate of the Deva Kings and Amida Hall are National Important Cultural Properties. The real spectacle is the bowl-shaped hillside behind the halls. About 20,000 azaleas of some 17 varieties are clipped into rounded mounds, and they bloom from mid-April to early May into a carpet of colour. A path runs up to a white Kannon statue on the rim, with a view back down over the blooms and temple roofs. On 3 May the temple holds a fire-walking ritual with yamabushi mountain monks. Outside the azalea season it is a quiet, little-known country temple.

Highlights

• About 20,000 azaleas covering a natural amphitheatre
• A thatched Gate of the Deva Kings, an Important Cultural Property
• A giant white Kannon statue on the rim
• A fire-walking ceremony with yamabushi monks on 3 May
• A quiet, forested temple outside the flower season

Tips

• Azaleas peak from late April to early May. Check the temple's bloom report, and go on a weekday morning.
• A seasonal entry fee is charged during the azalea festival only. The rest of the year it is free.
• Take the bus from Kabe Station (JR Ome Line) to Shiofune Kannon-iriguchi, then walk 10 min.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Fukiage Iris ParkGarden · 990 m away
• Ome Railway ParkMuseum · 2.1 km away
• Cinema NekoMovie Theaters · 2.3 km away
• Ome Tourist Information CenterTourist Info · 2.6 km away
• Kamanofuchi ParkPark · 3.3 km away
• Hamura Intake WeirBeach & Waterfront · 5.9 km away
• Hamura Zoo (Hinotonton ZOO)Zoo & Aquarium · 6.1 km away
• Ume no Koen (Ome Plum Park)Park · 6.2 km away