Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Located on the fringes of Arashiyama, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is a unique temple with a quirky history that makes it well worth a visit!
The original temple dates back to the 8th century. It was built in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. After flooding destroyed it, it was rebuilt in northeast Kyoto, but again fell into disrepair.
In the early 20th century, the surviving structures (the hall and the gate) were transferred to the present location in Arashiyama. But the unfortunate temple was damaged again in a typhoon.
In the mid 1950s, the head priest, a sculptor, came up with the idea of having temple visitors carve statues under his tutelage. And that’s the origin of the quirky rakan statues at the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple!
The temple was extensively restored in the 1980s, during which time the rakan statues were created as well.
The statues are the main draw at the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. If you enjoy local history and culture, and you have the time after you visit the more popular Arashiyama attractions, then add this out-of-the-way and less crowded temple to your itinerary!
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Things to Do at the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Arashiyama
See the Whimsical Rakan Statues
There are 1,200 stone statues that cover the hillsides by the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple.
Created between 1981 and 1991, the statues are called rakan statues (disciples of Buddha). They were carved by visitors to the temple that wanted to learn sculpting from Kocho Nishimura, the sculptor and head priest.
The rakan statues are unique in that they embody a multitude of expressions. Some are laughing aloud, some are serious, and some are smiling.
Many a statue here holds an object that is important to the sculptor, like a Walkman, a baseball bat, or a cup of sake.
Although the statues are relatively new, they look old because they are covered in moss.
Walking amongst the rakan statues is the top thing to do at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple!
Admire the Principal Image
The principal image at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji dates back to the Kamakura period (1192-1333).
The image is unique in that it has asymmetrical eyes, meant to signify that the Buddha is both strict and kind.
Snap Photos of the Nio Statues at the Gate
At the main gate to the temple are two fierce Nio statues that make for a great photo op!
The grounds of the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple are particularly beautiful in the fall, when the maple trees change color.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple Access
Wondering how to get to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple? This temple is rather remote, so it’s best to opt for a taxi or a bus to save time.
If you’ve arrived at the JR Saga Arashiyama Station, a taxi ride to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple takes just 5 minutes, and costs about 1000 to 1500 yen (USD 6.31-9.47).
You can also take a taxi to the temple from the Randen Arashiyama Station or the Henkyu Arashiyama Station.
Want to take the bus? From the Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk to the Nonomiya bus stop (about 10 minutes). Take bus number 94 towards Kiyotaki and alight at the Otagi Dera Mae bus stop. The bus takes about 25 minutes each way.
You can also catch a bus to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple from the Randen Arashiyama Station or the Henkyu Arashiyama Station.
Up for a long and uphill hike? You can walk from the JR Saga Arashiyama Station to the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in about 45 minutes (see map).
If you have a rental car in Japan, you can drive to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. Parking for a few cars is available at the temple.
The address for Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is 2-5 Fukatani-cho, Saga-Toriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8439.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple Hours
The Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is open daily from Thursday through Tuesday 9 a.m. until 4.15 p.m.
It is closed on Wednesdays, unless it happens to be a national holiday.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee of 500 yen (USD 3.25) per person for the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple.
Children under 15 years old enter free.
You can buy tickets at the entrance to the temple on the day of your visit.
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