Stone Jizo: Neighborhood Guardians Watch Over Children

Overview

Some 10,000 stone Jizo Buddhist statues dot the streets of Kyoto. At the end of summer, children gather at the street corners where the statues stand for lively Jizo Bon festivities. This annual event, where people pray for the health and success of their children, is also an opportunity for neighborhoods to strengthen their ties. Discover a cornerstone of ordinary Kyoto citizen's faith through the small, charming Jizo statues that are an integral part of local life.