Afushi Rabbit Kannon / Bandai-ji Kannon-do

Located at the tip of the Numakuma Peninsula in southeastern Fukuyama City, this Kannon Hall is built precariously on a cliff overlooking the sea. The vibrant vermilion pillars and beams stand out beautifully against the blue of the sky and sea, creating a landscape that symbolizes this place. Its unique location, jutting out into the sea, has long been known as a scenic spot and was even depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige's "Sixty-Odd Provinces Famous Views."

The corridor surrounding the hall slopes slightly towards the sea, and the railings are designed to be low. While feeling the sea close at hand, visitors can enjoy a thrilling view of the Seto Inland Sea's numerous islands, a sight unique to this high vantage point. The existing hall is said to have been founded by Mori Terumoto, a warlord of the Sengoku period, and possesses historical value as a nationally important cultural property. Inside the hall, numerous "breast-shaped ema" (votive tablets) are dedicated, a rare sight nationwide, conveying the fervent faith in fertility, safe childbirth, and breastfeeding that has continued since ancient times.

One of the highlights is how the scenery changes depending on the time of day you visit. You can encounter different landscapes depending on the light, such as the refreshing morning when the light illuminates the surface of the sea, or the twilight when the temple's colors deepen as the setting sun shines on it. This is a spot where you can enjoy a precious landscape where Fukuyama's historical heritage and the natural environment of the Seto Inland Sea come together.