Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Kiyomizu Kannon Temple or Kiyomizu Kannon-do is a Japanese Buddhist temple in Ueno Park, Tokyo. As the temple's name indicates, it is devoted to the bodhisattva of mercy, Kannon in Japanese or Guanyin in Chinese. Kiyomizu Kannon Temple was founded in the 17th century, in the early Edo period (1600-1867). The principal image of worship, the main Kannon statue, was relocated to this temple from Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto which served as the temple's model and inspiration. However, it is only shown on special occasions. Another statue of Kannon that is always on display is said to bring good luck to mothers and pregnant women. Japanese women who safely bear children after praying at the temple offer children's dolls to the temple and there is a popular annual memorial service for dolls on September 25.