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Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, The Temple Of 1200 Rakan Statues

If you are in Kyoto and decide to spend a day visiting Arashiyama, don’t forget to include Otagi Nenbutsuji on your list of places to visit. It is located in Ukyo-ku Ward, Kyoto and is about 30mins walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The best option is to take the traditional and famous Saga-Toriimoto street by walk so you get experience the machiya tea houses and shops. The temple can also be reached by bus or a cab from JR Arashiyama Station.

Otagi Nenbusuji is the “cutest” buddhist temple you will find in Japan with its 1200 rakan statues known as Buddha’s followers. These stone sculptures are all unique and none resemble anyway to another.

Bit of history: Empress Shotoku had founded the temple during 8th century known as Otagi-ji. But it was destroyed by the flooding of the Kamo River and was rebuilt as an offshoot of Enryaku-ji Temple. It has been moved to the current location (Saga district) in 1922, later suffered typhoon damage as well in 1950.

In 1981 a famous sculptor Kocho Nishimura, with help of locals was successful in restoring the Temple back to its glory. The 1200 rakans were carved by amateur and professional alike under his guidance. It is said that he had directed them to have the statues be “Kawaii” (Japanese for Cute); resulting in a delightful mix of silly, sombre, serious and some holding glasses to cheer.

The temple hosts Akasagarbha and Avalokitesvara (also known as Kannon) which are among the great bodhisattvas in Buddhism. The main prayer hall (Jizo Hall) dates back to the Kamakura period (1185) and holds the Kannon, the spirit of Mercy.

Of all the beautiful places and temples in Kyoto, this temple of whimsical statues was an absolute delight. Im planning to return to see these cute statues covered in snow during the winter, what a lovely sight would that be. :)