Saiko-ji Temple

Saiko-ji Temple is famous for its 33 Kannon statues and seated statue of Kondo Isami.

Saiko-ji is a Tendai sect temple located in the Kami-ishiwara 1-chome area of Chofu City. It is known for its 33 statues of Kannon and Saiko-ji Deva gate, designated as Municipal Cultural Properties.

The 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddha of Compassion, are said to appear in a variety of forms to help save humanity. They are thus a physical representation of the teachings in Buddhist scripture, and are recognized as an example of some of the finest carving techniques from the Edo period.

There is also a seated statue of Kondo Isami in front of the temple gate. The statue was constructed in 2001, spearheaded by the Kondo Isami and Shinsengumi Association to commemorate the 130th anniversary of his death.

Kondo Isami organized the Koyo-Chinbutai group, and was welcomed into a private house in front of Saiko-ji Temple for a brief rest on his way to the battlefront in Kofu.

Address: 1-28-3 Kami-ishiwara, Chofu-shi