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Rakanji Temple: A Mountainside Sanctuary of Stone Buddhas

Discover Rakanji Temple in Nakatsu: a mountainside sanctuary with thousands of Buddha statues, rich history, and breathtaking views.

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Nestled in the cliffs of Mt. Rakan, Rakanji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple famed for its thousands of stone Buddha statues and stunning natural setting. Founded in 1337, it offers a unique blend of spiritual history and scenic beauty in Nakatsu, Oita.

A brief summary to Rakanji Temple

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Take the chairlift up to the temple for a scenic and less strenuous ascent.
  • Visit during the autumn months to witness the vibrant fall foliage.
  • Explore the Murokutsu Cave to see the unique expressions of the 500 Rakan statues.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Nakatsu Station, take a bus towards Yabakei. Get off at the Nakashima bus stop. From there, it's approximately a 1.7km walk to the base of Rakanji Temple. A community bus operates a few times a day between Nakashima and Rakanji on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Bus fare from Nakatsu Station to Nakashima is around ¥800.

  • Car

    From Nakatsu, follow Route 212 towards Yabakei Gorge. Pass through the Aonodomon Tunnel and turn right at the first traffic light onto Route 500. After 1.7km, turn left onto Route 629. Free parking is available at Rakanji Temple.

  • Chairlift

    Once at the base of Mt. Rakan, you can ascend to Rakanji Temple via a scenic chairlift. A round trip ticket costs ¥700 for adults and ¥350 for elementary school students.

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Discover more about Rakanji Temple

Rakanji Temple, cradled by the towering cliffs of Mount Rakan in Nakatsu, Oita, is a captivating testament to Buddhist devotion and artistic expression. Founded in 1337 by the priest Engan Shogaku, the temple is said to be the site where the Indian monk Hodo lived an ascetic life in the caves during the 7th century. Rakanji is one of Japan's three famous temples dedicated to the Five Hundred Arhats, enlightened disciples in Buddhism. The temple complex incorporates the natural caves of Mt. Rakan, housing over 3,700 stone Buddha statues with unique facial expressions, offering visitors a strong sense of connection. Key structures include the Niomon Gate, which survived a fire in 1943, and the Sanmon Gate, believed to have been constructed by order of Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. The main hall, rebuilt in 1969 after the fire, and the Murokutsu Cave, home to 451 statues, are also highlights. Visitors can ascend to Rakanji Temple via a scenic chairlift or a steep set of stone steps. The temple grounds offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The experience is particularly enchanting in the fall, when the foliage is ablaze with color. Rakanji provides a serene escape and a glimpse into centuries of Buddhist tradition.

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