Recorded Joy·Rakuchū / Karasuma-Oike / Shijō

Somedono-in's Hidden Jizo

Said to have been founded by Kukai in 808. Its principal image — a rare naked-form Jizo attributed to Kukai, Kyoto's only such statue — is a hidden Buddha shown but once every fifty years. When Empress Somedono, consort of Emperor Montoku, prayed here and safely bore the future Emperor Seiwa, it became the "Somedono Jizo" of safe childbirth, still standing amid the bustle of Shinkyogoku.

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These notes come from desk research. Local traditions vary.