Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple: A Mountain Sanctuary

4.2 (1139)

Discover ancient Buddhist art and breathtaking panoramic views at this historic mountain temple in Chiba Prefecture.

Home
Japan
Sagami
Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple

Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple, nestled on Mount Nokogiri in Chiba Prefecture, is a historic Buddhist temple dating back to 725 AD. Explore its vast grounds, home to Japan's largest pre-modern stone-carved Daibutsu, thousands of Rakan statues, and stunning views of the Boso Peninsula and Tokyo Bay.

A brief summary to Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple

184 Motona, Kyonan, Motona, Awa District, Chiba, 299-2100, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the temple involves a lot of walking and climbing stairs.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the mountain trails.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as the ropeway may close during inclement weather.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple grounds and enjoy the views.
Purchase a small Jizo statue at the Daibutsu to guard over those in need.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Hyaku-Shaku Kannon

Hyaku-Shaku Kannon: A Guardian Carved in Stone

Jigoku Nozoki (View of Hell)

Jigoku Nozoki: A Glimpse into the Abyss

Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway Mountain Peak Sta.

Mt. Nokogiri Ropeway Mountain Peak Station

Getting There

Train and Bus

From Tokyo, take the JR Sagami Line to Kyonan Station. Exit the station and take the Keisei Bus (route number 1) towards Motona. Get off at the Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥500. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the temple entrance.
Ferry and Ropeway

From Tokyo, take a train to Kurihama Station and walk or take a bus to the Kurihama Ferry Terminal. Take the Tokyo Wan Ferry to Hamakanaya Port. The ferry trip takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥1000 for passengers. From Hamakanaya Port, walk 8 minutes to the Nokogiriyama Ropeway. A one-way ropeway ticket costs ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. The ropeway ride takes 4 minutes.
Car

From Sagami, take Route 129 east, following signs for Kyonan. Turn right onto Route 257 towards Motona. After 5 minutes, look for signs for Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple at 184 Motona. There is a parking lot available for visitors. Note that there is a toll road (¥1000, including parking) that leads to parking lots near the top of the mountain. There is also a toll-free road that ends further down the mountain near the Daibutsu. Parking is also available at Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple Higashiguchi Parking.

Discover more about Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple

Kenkonzan Nihon-ji Temple, also known as Nihon-ji, is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple located on the slopes of Mount Nokogiri in Kyonan, Chiba Prefecture. Founded in 725 AD by the priest Gyōki under the order of Emperor Shōmu, it is considered one of the oldest and most important temples in the Kanto region. Throughout its history, Nihon-ji has been damaged and rebuilt several times, reflecting its enduring significance. The temple complex is extensive, featuring numerous attractions connected by walking paths. The most iconic is the Nihon-ji Daibutsu, a towering 31.05-meter stone-carved Buddha statue depicting Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. Visitors can also explore the Sengohyaku Rakan, a collection of over 1,500 unique stone Buddha sculptures carved by Ono Jingoro and his disciples during the Edo period. Many of these statues were damaged during the anti-Buddhist movement, but restoration efforts are ongoing. Another highlight is the Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, a 30.3-meter tall relief of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy carved into a cliff face in 1966. This statue serves as a memorial for victims of World War II and a protector of transportation. For panoramic views, visitors can venture to Jigoku Nozoki (Hell Lookout), a cliffside vantage point offering thrilling perspectives of the surrounding landscape. The temple grounds also feature a Bodhi tree sapling, a gift from India symbolizing world peace. Exploring the entire temple complex takes over an hour, with varied entry points including the main entrance, parking areas, and the Nokogiriyama Ropeway.