Buddhist temple
Matsuo-dera (Yamatokōriyama)
松尾寺（大和郡山）（まつおでら）
Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture
A temple on Matsuosan in Yamatokōriyama, known since long ago as a sacred site for warding off misfortune (yakuyoke). Its principal image is a hidden Senju Sengen Kanzeon Bosatsu with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes, called the Yakuyoke Kannon.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Senju Sengen Kanzeon Bosatsu (hidden buddha; Yakuyoke Kannon)
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it is said that in Yōrō 2 (718) Prince Toneri, who was compiling the Nihon Shoki, built it in his unlucky year at the age of 42, praying for the completion of the Nihon Shoki and for protection from misfortune. The "Matsuosan Engi" relates that on the day of the prince's prayer, purple clouds trailed over the eastern mountain and Senju Sengen Kanzeon Bosatsu appeared.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The temple is on Matsuosan in Yamada-chō, Yamatokōriyama. Please take care not to confuse it with other temples of the same name.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 松尾寺（大和郡山）「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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