Okinawa isn’t as “religious” as the rest of Japan (in quotes because Japan isn’t very religious at all), which is why there aren’t as many temples/shrines here. Kin Kannon-ji Temple is actually 1 of 8 Buddhist temples in the whole Ryukyu Islands, probably as a result of World War II. It is easily overlooked and down the road from Camp Hansen in Kin Town. Like the Futenma Shrine it features a cave with rich history (not pictured because my photos came out blurry).
In the 16th century Shonin Nisshu, a Buddhist priest, washed ashore during a typhoon as he was traveling back to mainland Japan from China. He stayed in Kin village and expressed his gratitude to the people for their generosity by praying to God to kill the large Habu snakes that lived in the cave that regularly ate their domestic animals.
Nisshu also created three statues of Buddha, Yukushi (God of Medicine) and Kannon (God of Mercy) to be placed in front of the cave. Later a temple was built near the cave, which is still used for marriage ceremonies and funeral services.
There is a tourist office off to the left, and according to some websites you have to pay to go into the cave… but we didn’t see anyone there. You can however do a tour of the Awamori (Okinawan liquor) storage inside the cave. This blog has a lot of information on the tour, and here are some photos if you’re curious.
^^ Love finding peace poles all over the island ^^
Kin Kannon-ji Temple
222 Kin, Kunigami District,
Okinawa Prefecture 904-1201
Hours: 7AM – 4PM daily
Website