Takehara's Tourist Attractions
Okakae Jizo Statue (お抱え地蔵) Takehara city center area
The Okakae Jizo is said to have been created in 1650, and 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.
Jizo is a Buddhist guardian deity of children and travelers. Statues of Jizo are often dressed in a red cape, as Japanese have long believed that the color red defends against evil. The main role of Jizo is to protect children, the souls of children who have passed away, and unborn babies. Jizo statues are commonly found on roadsides to protect travelers.
A local legend relates that if you pick up and hold the Okakae Jizo while making a wish, and it 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 is an experience unique to Takehara.