Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple Travel Guide

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, hidden in the hills of Arashiyama, presents a delightful departure from the traditional solemnity of many Kyoto temples. Founded originally in the 8th century by Empress Shotoku in the Higashiyama area, the temple has faced numerous challenges, including floods and fires, leading to multiple relocations. It was moved to its current location in 1922 to preserve the remaining structures.The temple's transformation began in 1955 when Kocho Nishimura, a Buddhist monk and sculptor, became the head priest. He initiated a restoration project in the 1980s, inviting visitors to carve their own statues of Rakan, the disciples of Buddha. This resulted in a collection of over 1,200 unique stone figures, each reflecting the personality and interests of its creator.Exploring the temple grounds, visitors will discover statues with humorous expressions, unexpected poses, and even modern objects like tennis rackets or cassette players. The main hall, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), houses a statue of Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Mercy. The temple is open daily, except Wednesdays (unless it's a national holiday), from 9:00 am to 4:15 pm. Otagi Nenbutsuji offers a memorable blend of history, art, and nature, far from the usual tourist trails.