Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
Another ten minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression. Created relatively recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, the many statues stand across the temple grounds which cover part of a forested mountain slope.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, perhaps the most unique and whimsical temple in all of Kyoto. While its origins date back to the 8th century when Empress Shotoku founded the original temple in the Higashiyama district, the Otagi…
Listen in the app2Niomon Gate — Threshold of the Reborn
Our exploration begins at the Niomon Gate, a modest but sturdy portal that marks the entrance to the inner sanctuary. This gate, relocated here along with the temple's reconstruction, houses two traditional Nio guardian statues. …
Listen in the app3Fureai Kannon — The Compassionate Touch
Near the entrance stands one of Otagi's most beautiful and moving features: the Fureai Kannon. This bronze statue of the Bodhisattva of Mercy was specifically designed by Kocho Nishimura to be touched. …
Listen in the app4The Lower Terrace — The Gathering of Disciples
As we move to the lower terrace, we find ourselves surrounded by the first major concentration of the 1,200 Rakan. This is where the sheer diversity of the statues becomes apparent. …
Listen in the app5The Hondo (Main Hall) — Resilience in Timber
In the center of the grounds sits the Hondo, or Main Hall. This building is a registered Important Cultural Property and dates back to the Kamakura period (13th century). …
Listen in the app6The Bell Tower — Echoes of Peace
Climbing further up the hillside, we reach the Bell Tower. This open wooden structure houses a large bronze bell, or 'Bonsho,' typical of Japanese temples. …
Listen in the app7The Upper Terraces — The Final Gathering
Our journey through Otagi concludes at the upper terraces, where the remaining Rakan statues are gathered in dense groups along the hillside. This area feels even more immersive than the lower levels. …
Listen in the app8Closing
As we depart from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, we carry with us a sense of lightness and joy that is rare in many of the world’s sacred places. We have seen how a ruined temple was brought back to life not through vast wealth or political…
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What is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple?
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0313, 135.6612 |
| Last updated |
