Okakae Jizo Statue (Pamphlet) おかかえ地蔵（パンフレット）

Official explanation

The Okakae Jizo, dressed in a red cape, is said to have been created in 1650. Since ancient times, the Japanese have believed that the color red defends against evil.

According to local legend, if you pick up and hold the statue while making a wish, and the statue feels lighter than you imagined it would, then your wish will come true. It is rare to have the chance to pick up and hold a Jizo statue, so this experience is unique to Takehara.

Read the full explanation

Jizo is a Buddhist guardian deity of children and travelers. Jizo’s main role is to protect children, the souls of children who have passed away, and unborn babies. Statues of Jizo are commonly found on roadsides to protect travelers.

The Okakae Jizo Statue is housed in a small hut that was renovated in 2017. It is located on a small hill down a narrow alley just off the main street of the historic district.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.