Hatsuba-ji Temple (Fish Basket Kannon)

According to tradition, the temple originated in 614 CE (Suiko 22) when Prince Shotoku, suffering from illness during an unlucky year, carved and enshrined a statue of the Horsehead Kannon Bodhisattva himself. Prince Shotoku received teachings from Echi (Kukai's predecessor figure in some traditions, though historically Echi was later; here referring to the monk Echi) and had statues of Dainichi Nyorai (Mahavairocana Buddha) and Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) carved, building a thatched hut where he healed people's illnesses. During the Edo period, it served as a prayer site for the Todo clan, lords of the Tsu Domain.