Nestled in the tranquil mountains east of Nara, Hasedera Temple is a captivating site that combines two of Japan’s most iconic temple features: a monumental wooden statue of Kannon Bodhisattva and a breathtaking kake-zukuri (cliffside-style) wooden hall that seems to float above the slope. For centuries, Hasedera has been a sacred site for Kannon worship and an important pilgrimage destination. Its massive statue of Kannon—standing on a stone pedestal instead of a lotus—symbolizes a deity who walks among people to offer salvation. The hall that houses it represents the mythical cliffside island where Kannon dwells, turning the temple into a symbolic landscape of Buddhist cosmology. Visitors can stroll the wooden corridor that climbs the hillside, offering sweeping views of the temple and valley below. With expert guides, you’ll uncover the deep spiritual and literary heritage that makes Hasedera a truly profound experience.