Photo= "Kanzeon Bosatsu Zazo" placed backwards so the soles of its feet can be observed (Mimurotoji Temple, Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Mimurotoji Temple in Todo, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is holding a special exhibition from November 2, in which "Kanzeon Bosatsu Zazo," or the seated statue of Bodhisattva, which is one of the Important Cultural Properties enshrined in "Homotsu-kan," or the treasure house in the precincts, has been placed back to front, so that the soles of its feet can be observed. The statue is made of Japanese cypress with a technique called joined block construction, and its height is approximately 1.1 meters. It is said to have been built in the late Heian Period, or in the 12th century. It is seated on its heels in a Japanese style, which is rare for Buddhist statues.

Usually the front side of the statue is open to the public once a month, but it is turned backward for only one month when leaves around the precincts are starting to turn red. The soles of its feet with its toes can be seen from the hem of its garment. It is said that many worshippers are hoping for the good health of their own feet.

The exhibition is open only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until December 1. The treasure house is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is an admission fee in addition to the fee for temple entrance; it is 300 yen for adults, and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students.