Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

Unclaimed

I start with an advice: there is a bus station across the temple. I didn’t know, I followed a friend and we walked few kilometers from Arashyama bamboo forest and I am not a sporty person. Was torture? But for people that workout the road here is easy and goes through a nice village. The temple is at the edge of a forest (at least that’s how it seems). The entrance is 500¥. I think the place is wonderful in the autumn but the fact that is in nature gives it a feeling of peace. Peace is usually broken by the people that ring the bells from there, but I understood that ringing them is part of the ritual. Very beautiful location.

A really unique temple with thousands of Buddha statues. It is at the end of the traditional Meiji-style street so it is best to combine the two activities. You can get to photograph old Japanese houses and a cute temple. The entrance fee was 500 yen but it was worth it.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, nestled in Kyoto’s serene Arashiyama district, offers a tranquil and enriching experience for visitors. The temple is renowned for its collection of 1,200 stone rakan statues—representations of Buddha’s disciples—each carved with unique expressions and characteristics. These statues, created between 1981 and 1991 under the guidance of sculptor and monk Kocho Nishimura, reflect a blend of solemnity and whimsy, with some figures smiling, laughing, or holding objects that hint at the carvers’ personal interests .    The temple’s location, slightly removed from the main tourist routes, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore the grounds without the usual crowds. Surrounded by lush greenery and maple trees, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji provides a picturesque setting that changes with the seasons, making it a worthwhile destination year-round . In summary, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple stands out as a hidden gem in Kyoto, offering a unique combination of artistic expression, spiritual significance, and natural beauty. Its distinctive rakan statues and serene environment make it a compelling site for those seeking a deeper cultural experience away from the typical tourist paths.  

It was a great experience. It was about 30min from Gion district. I was there like 1030 am and there wasn’t a lot of people. You get to experience a walkway for great pictures on the Bamboo trees. 500JPY a person. $3.50 a person. There is a ticket machine at the entrance where you can pay and get your tickets. They open at 9am.

This was one of the best shrines we visited in Kyoto. It’s a bit outside the city, but absolutely worth a visit. Not too crowded with tourists.