Local map

• Arashiyama and Sagano

Places of interest in the vicinity

• Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
• Arashiyama and Sagano
• Daihi-kaku
• Daikaku-ji
• Gio-ji
• Hokyo-in
• Jikishi-an
• Jojakko-ji
• Nison-in
• Nonomiya-jinja
• Otagi-
  Nenbutsu-ji
• Rakushi-sha
• Seiryo-ji
• Takiguchi-dera
• Tenryu-ji

Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji temple in Sagano, Kyoto

Photos below.

This small temple is at the north-west corner of Sagano district. The attraction of the Tendai-shu sect Buddhist temple is a pack of many stone figures. The 1200 Rakan figures were carved by worshipers of this temple from 1981 to 1991 to pray for the prosperity of the temple. Different from usual Buddhist figures, these Rakans seem like having been sculpted with humor and fun.

History

The temple, originally called Otagi-ji temple, was founded in the Otagi District (the central part of present-day Kyoto) by an order of Empress Shotoku (718-770) in the latter half of the 8th century. At the beginning of the Heian period (794-1192), the temple buildings were washed away by a flood of the Kamo River. The temple was rebuilt by Senkan Naigu (918-984), a priest of the Tendai sect, and became a branch of Enryaku-ji on Hiei-zan (Mt. Hiei).

In 1922, the temple moved to the present location, in order to preserve it's buildings. The temple invited its worshipers from various parts of the country to participate carving stone figures of Rakan (disciples of Shaka, the founder of Buddhism). From 1981 to 1991, the amateur sculptors carved the figures with the help of Nishimura Kocho (1915-2003), a professional sculptor and the chief priest of the temple.

How to get to Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji

• About one hour from JR Kyoto station to Otagi-dera-mae bus stop by Kyoto Bus No. 72.
• About one hour from Keihan Railway Sanjo station to Otagi-dera-mae bus stop by Kyoto Bus No. 62.

Hours and Admission

8:00 - 17:00 (admission ends at 16:45)

All except the following: 300 yen
Junior high school students or younger (9th grader or younger): free.

Photos / Pictures

Click on a photo for a larger image.

Nio-mon gate. A pair of fierce-looking Nio guardians in the gate were sculpted sometime in Kamakura period (1192-1333). November 29, 2009	A slope that leads to Jizo-do hall. November 29, 2009	Jizo-do hall. Enshrined here is Hiyoke Jizo Bosatsu, or Jizo Bodhisattva symbolizing protection against fire, that was carved in the early Heian period (794-1192). November 29, 2009
Fureai Kannon hall. Fureai Kannon is a Buddhist figure that was designed to be worshipped by touching with hands. If you touch it, any pain in your body or mind would be eased, they believe November 29, 2009	Hon-do the main hall, an important cultural property that was built in the Kamakura period. The principal image of the temple is enshrined here, that is Yakuyoke Senju Kannon, or Thousand Armed Kannon Bodhisattva that protects people against evil. November 29, 2009	Tenkawa-Dai-Benzaiten shrine in the precinct of Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji temple. November 29, 2009
Taho-to pagoda. November 29, 2009	Kokuzo Bosatsu, a Bodhisattva who satisfies your wish with his wisdom and mercy that are as immense as boundless space. November 29, 2009	Sanpo no Kane, or the bell of three treasures, that represent Buddha, dharma (law) and the priests. The tune of the bells is said to convey the heart of Buddha to the natural world. November 29, 2009
A part of 1200 Rakan Buddhist images that were carved by worshipers. November 29, 2009	The right one seems to be pouring sake (Japanese rice wine) into the cup of the left one. They look like enjoying a party. November 29, 2009	A couple embracing each other. November 29, 2009
Three individuals. November 29, 2009	The middle one is holding a camera. November 29, 2009	A Rakan sticking out the tip of his tang. November 29, 2009