[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (Updated Jul)

Dreaming of a Kyoto adventure beyond the crowds? This ancient city, once Japan’s imperial capital, hides a treasure trove of lesser-known spots that locals love. From serene temples to quiet alleys and authentic local experiences, let's explore the city’s soul with a fresh perspective. Get ready to discover five enchanting hidden gems, packed with history, culture, and photo-worthy moments. Let’s dive in! ❤️Top 5 Hidden Gems in Kyoto 1️⃣ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple ➜ Why It’s Special: Tucked in the Saga-Torokko area, this temple is a hidden haven with over 1,200 quirky stone statues, each carved with unique expressions by local artisans in the 1980s. It’s a peaceful escape from Kyoto’s busier sites, offering a quirky, heartfelt vibe. ✦ Best For: Travelers seeking a quiet, artistic retreat—perfect for reflection or unique photos. ✶ Local Tip: Visit at 8 AM (open 8 AM-5 PM) to avoid crowds and bring small change for offerings. 2️⃣Pontocho Alley ➜ Why It’s Special: This narrow, lantern-lit lane near the Kamo River is a historic geisha district, buzzing with traditional tea houses and cozy izakayas. Locals cherish it for its evening charm, where you might spot a maiko (apprentice geisha) if lucky—though it’s a rare treat! ✦ Best For: Night owls wanting a cultural stroll and authentic dining—ideal for a romantic or solo adventure. ✶ Local Tip: Stroll at dusk (around 6 PM) for the best ambiance, dine at a local izakaya, and respect geisha privacy by not photographing without permission. 3️⃣ Kurama Village and Kurama-dera Temple ➜ Why It’s Special: Nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto, this off-the-radar village offers a rustic escape with Kurama-dera Temple, a 770s-founded site surrounded by dense forest and hot springs. It’s a hidden gem where locals go for solitude and natural beauty, far from tourist trails. ✦ Best For: Nature lovers and spiritual seekers craving a serene, lesser-known adventure—great for a half-day trip. ✶ Local Tip: Take the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama Station, arrive by 9 AM, and explore the temple trail or soak in a local onsen for an authentic touch. 4️⃣ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Early Morning) ➜ Why It’s Special: This iconic grove transforms into a serene escape before the crowds hit, with towering bamboo swaying in the breeze. Locals love the early quiet, making it a hidden gem in plain sight. ✦ Best For: Nature lovers and photographers wanting a tranquil, less-crowded walk. ✶ Local Tip: Arrive by 7 AM via the Keifuku Line train, avoid 10 AM-2 PM peak hours, and bring a camera for misty morning shots. 5️⃣ Nishiki Market (Mid-Morning) ➜ Why It’s Special: Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this covered market brims with local vendors selling yatsuhashi (sweet rice cakes), fresh sushi, and pickled treats. Locals shop here daily, offering a lively yet authentic glimpse into daily life. ✦ Best For: Foodies and shoppers eager to taste and buy local—perfect for a cultural immersion. ✶ Local Tip: Visit 9 AM-11 AM (open 9 AM-6 PM) for fewer crowds, sample street food, and chat with vendors for insider tips. 🌺Uncover Kyoto’s Hidden Soul🌺 Kyoto’s hidden gems offer a local’s view of its ancient beauty—perfect for an authentic adventure. Ready to explore? Search "Kyoto" for more travel tips and itineraries from our Local Guide! #KyotoTravel #LocalGuides #HiddenGems #Japan #LocalExperiences #TravelKyoto

The Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto is an off the beaten track temple located in Arashiyama, Kyoto. More than a thousand stone rakan statues populate the temple ground at the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Being moss-covered, the stone statues create an ambience that is faintly eerie, but the unique facial expressions on the statues convey a quirky sense of comical cheerfulness at once. The very original of the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple was established near the Gion District in the Higashiyama area by the order of Emperor Shotoku in 766 A.D. That temple was destroyed by the flood of the Kamogawa River during the early Heian period. Thus began the seemingly “bad luck” that struck this temple throughout its history. By the 20th century, the temple has come to stand for resilience. In those long years past, the temple fell victim to fires and neglect. There were only three structures still standing in the temple, namely the main hall, the Jizo Hall, and the temple gate. In 1922, there was effort to move these structures to the current site in Arashiyama, and the temple started anew. Yet again, in the 1950s, a typhoon damaged the temple. Finally, in 1981, the temple underwent a major restoration led by Kocho Nishimura. He was a craftsman for Buddhist statues before becoming a monk himself. The restoration effort took a good ten years, during which time structures were taken apart, rebuilt, renovated and restored. This was also the time needed for the temple to offer sculpting pilgrimage for the followers. The army of 1,200 rakan statuettes was the work of many followers over this decade of time in the 1980s. Kocho Nishimura’s innovative initiative to combine art and religion was very much reflective of his own journey of faith. Rakans are the followers of Buddha. The statuettes in the temple were created by the common people. In this creative process, the followers of Buddha essentially invested in their artwork some of their own humanity. Surely, there were many statuettes wearing somber expressions, but some were reading, some were marveling, and some were laughing as well. In the back of these statuettes the sculptor carved his or her own names. #kyototrip #otaginenbutsutemple #rakanstatues #templetour #buddhism #buddhisttemple #arashiyama #japan #trip

#goingplaces Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in Kyoto is a hidden gem, known for its enchanting collection of over 1,200 stone rakan statues—each with unique, often humorous expressions. Situated in the serene Arashiyama area, this lesser-known temple offers a peaceful contrast to Kyoto’s more crowded spots. Originally founded in the 8th century, Otagi Nenbutsuji was later rebuilt after natural disasters, and the stone statues were added in the 1980s by worshippers and sculptors under the guidance of the temple’s head priest, who aimed to create a place of joyful reverence. 🚊Getting There: Accessible via bus or a short taxi ride from Arashiyama station. #traveljapan #japan #hiddengem #kyoto

Located beyond Arashiyama, deep in Okusaga, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple has stone statues of arhat enshrined throughout its grounds, an astonishing 1,200 in number! The sight of them covered in moss is truly spectacular😊 The arhat statues, which were carved and donated by ordinary worshippers during the reconstruction project, each have their own unique expression. The temple is also known as a "healing temple" because it soothes visitors, who smile when they see the arhat's smiles, or smile when they find an arhat with a face that resembles themselves or an acquaintance🍀 Because it is located deep inside, it is always empty, so you can take your time looking around♪ Why not try to be soothed by the 1,200 arhat statues♪🤗 #trip_aug #Kyoto #KyotoTourism #Okusaga #OtagiNenbutsu-ji

| It's like stepping into Spirited Away. I'm amazed by this little temple! 1200 uniquely shaped Arhat statues, Each one is lifelike The whole temple exudes a quiet beauty and an unspoken strength Every patch of moss is the sediment of time Temple enthusiasts really love it❤️ 📍Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Kyoto Address: 〒616-8439 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward, Sagatoriimoto Fukatani-cho 2-5 Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple

🍁Tourists in Kyoto's Arashiyama are always in an endless stream, but few people go north from Arashiyama to visit deeper temples. Here hides a quiet and healing scenery, which is a place where you can find peace in the bustling Arashiyama. The most adorable temple recognized by the Japanese, 🍁Kyoto's 【Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple】 🌟There are 1200 Arhats in the temple, some with their hands on their cheeks, some praying with their hands together, some wearing hats, some wearing pearl necklaces, and even one standing upside down, full of cuteness. 😢A bit indifferent, a bit joyful, a bit sad, it seems to hide the "various states of life in Kyoto" here. 🌟The name of a different sculptor is engraved behind each Arhat, which is contributed by many amateur sculptors under the guidance of a famous Japanese sculptor🐺. 📍Transportation 👉Address: 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatani-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City 👉Business hours: 8:00〜16:30 👉Ticket: JP300/adult ⚠Free for elementary/middle school students 1⃣Kyoto Bus🚌Direction of Kiyotaki🧭 62 | 72 | 92 | 94 Get off at 【Atagoji-mae】 2⃣ Take a taxi🚖 at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station North Exit JP1000↔about five minutes 3⃣ Walk for about 1 hour at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station 📍The easiest downhill route for Arashiyama sightseeing 👉Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple → Saganocho Preservation Area → Bamboo Forest → Togetsukyo Bridge → Arashiyama

#Osaka Attractions This time we introduce you to Atago Ninja Temple located near Arashiyama in Kansai. This temple has a very special place, that is, it has over a thousand statues of gods. To get here is easy, get off at Osaka Kansai Airport and transfer to the Namba Train or JR line, get to Osaka Station and transfer to the train bound for Arashiyama, get off and walk for ten minutes. You might as well visit it next time you travel to Osaka.

#summervacay Hidden in the Arashiyama foothills, **Otagi Nenbutsuji** is Kyoto’s quirkiest temple, where **1,200+ hand-carved rakan (disciple) statues**—each with unique, often comical expressions—peek through mossy forests. A surreal and serene escape from summer crowds! --- ### **Why Visit in Summer?** ✔ **Cool Forest Shade**: The temple’s wooded paths offer respite from Kyoto’s heat. ✔ **Otherworldly Atmosphere**: Misty mornings make the mossy statues feel enchanted. ✔ **Fewer Tourists**: Overlooked by guidebooks, it’s blissfully peaceful compared to nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. ✔ **Hydrangea Blooms**: June–July adds pops of blue and purple around the statues. --- ### **Must-See Highlights** 1. **The Rakan Statues**: Carved by locals in the 1980s–90s, each has a distinct face—find the *smiling monk*, *frog-loving disciple*, or *yawner*. 2. **Main Hall**: Houses the temple’s 8th-century **Healing Buddha** (Yakushi Nyorai). 3. **Bamboo Grove Path**: A quieter alternative to Arashiyama’s crowded bamboo forest. --- ### **Summer-Specific Tips** - **Golden Hour Magic**: Visit at **sunrise or dusk** for soft light filtering through trees. - **Bug Spray**: The lush greenery attracts mosquitoes. - **Hydrate**: Carry water—the uphill walk from the bus stop is steep. - **Local Treats**: Stop at **Sagatoriimoto’s teahouses** for matcha and *kuzukiri* (transparent noodles). --- ### **Visitor Info** - **Hours**: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Mar–Nov); ¥300 entry. - **Access**: From Kyoto Station, take **Bus #62/72** to *Otagi-dera-mae* (30 mins). - **Combine With**: **Adashino Nenbutsuji** (nearby temple with 8,000 stone Buddhas). --- **Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)** A temple like no other—playful yet profound, where every statue tells a story. Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking Kyoto’s hidden soul. *Pro Tip: Bring ¥100 coins to light incense—some rakans “hold” offering bowls!* Which rakan statue spoke to you? Share your find below! 😊🙏

#summervacay Hidden in the quiet hills of Arashiyama, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is one of Kyoto’s most unique and peaceful temples. What makes it special? Over 1,000 stone statues each one with a different expression, from joyful laughs to funny faces. Some are even doing playful poses, making the visit feel lighthearted and fun. Surrounded by moss, trees, and silence, the temple offers a calming break from the city crowds. It’s a lovely spot to walk slowly, take photos, and just enjoy the peaceful energy. If you’re looking for something different in Kyoto, this temple is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Arashiyama Rangetsu: Living in the Rainy Night of Arashiyama Ten Years Ago Leaving Osaka early, it rained yesterday, so I canceled the trip to Nara. Just like the first time I came to Kyoto, I walked alone into the rainy Arashiyama. For ten years, the melodies of Misa Jōnouchi and Warewaregaku still linger softly in my ears, and this Arashiyama seems unchanged through the ages: the flowing waters of the Hozu River, the lattice windows of Yūsai-tei, the bamboo grove of Nonomiya, the withered lotus of Ogura Pond, the old gate of Enryian, the maple path of Nison-in, the blue moss of Gio-ji, the stone statues of Atago Nenbutsu-ji... As usual, I would pass through that tunnel full of urban legends, turn back at the clear waterfall stream, and walk straight to Kōzan-ji or Gatsurin-ji; if hiking in the opposite direction, my favorite Saihō-ji, Kegon-ji, and Jizō-in are not far either. Today, I got up early and stayed for a long time in front of the Sanmon gate of Tenryū-ji, watching the changing mountain mist, only to realize I had no cash on me. Perhaps also because of getting older, after walking the entire Atago Ancient Road, I returned the same way. Unlike the rural scenery of Ōhara, the secluded shrines of Kibune, or the secret mountain waters of Takao, whether you stroll like an ordinary tourist or stay deeply to create like Taijirō, walking on the Atago Ancient Road fills you with energy. Today I am staying at Rangetsu. With Benkei under major renovation, Hoshinoya hard to book, Suiran’s Western-style rooms simple, and Togetsu-tei refusing solo travelers, after looking around, I came back to Rangetsu. Going up the grand iconic slope, the inn’s elegant Japanese garden and river view refresh the mind. The traditional room I stayed in has a small courtyard in front and back for living and bathing views. This time the nakai (attendant) is a young girl whose English is even worse than the one ten years ago, but fortunately, technology is more advanced now, and we communicated using a translator device. The most beautiful moments in Arashiyama are in the early morning and rainy nights. Wearing a haori, I walked to Togetsu Bridge; the empty streets, dim lights, dark river surface, and fine rain made the whole Arashiyama seem mine alone. There is no better time to enjoy solitude. But people are not born to enjoy solitude. If that wound is no longer touched, whether escaping or numbing, time will fade it away. In the trilogy, writing about two people meeting in Arashiyama, parting at Kiyomizu, and growing old at Takamine is actually memory automatically altering, extending this tragedy for a lifetime. A thousand mountains in a midday dream, a shadowed window with a single arrow, mixed feelings remain, leaving only a silent sigh. Across the river, people are in the sound of rain, the evening wind stirs the autumn grievances in the reed leaves.

Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji is a temple of the Tendai branch of Japanese Buddhism, located at the foot of Mount Atago, in Arashiyama moutains in the west of Kyoto. Its notoriety is due to the 1,200 Buddha’s disciples’ statues crafted by amateurs from all over Japan during the temple’s renovation in the 1980s, under the supervision of monk and sculptor Kocho Nishimura.

If you want to experience a peaceful, profound and unique Kyoto, “Otagi Nenbutsu-ji” is a small temple worth a visit. Located in the northern Arashiyama district, it is hidden amidst a valley and lush green forest. It is famous for its 1,200 statues of arhats, each with a different expression, gesture and personality. Some smile, some laugh, some make strange faces that will make you smile. The temple is surrounded by large trees and the sounds of nature. It is suitable for walking, taking pictures, admiring the beauty of the stone sculptures up close, or just sitting still to absorb the power of mindfulness and peace. The entrance fee to the temple is only 300 yen (about 70 baht). To get there, take the JR train to Saga-Arashiyama Station and then take a bus or taxi for about 15 minutes. Or you can walk along the nature trails for the adventurous. The budget for a full day trip is about 1,000–1,500 baht, including transportation, food and souvenirs. This temple is perfect for those who are tired of the same old tourist routes. And want to find the charming secret corners of Kyoto—that give both smiles and peace of mind #Get a discount without relying on luck #Travel to Japan

If you want a brilliant, tranquil and diverse adventure in Arashiyama, begin by taking a stroll through the bamboo forest before heading down the quiet roads of the greater Arashiyama area. This place is absolutely covered with amazing little temples set among the beautiful mountain scape. Once you reach the end of one of these trails, you will find Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple, a beautiful small temple, set up the side of one of the mountains, covered with little stones shaped into the traditional doll sculptures of Shinto religion. It’s a beautiful place covered with moss and trees and dripping water that makes you feel just so peaceful. #historicallandmarks #arashiyamabambooforest #arashiyama #arashiyamavibes #kyoto #kyototrip #otaginenbutsuji #otaginenbutsutemple

#IntroducingBreathtakingViewsInJapan Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a hidden gem of a temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, famous for its 1,000 Rakan statues. Although it doesn't have the gorgeous architecture of Kinkaku-ji Temple or Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the unique atmosphere created by the handmade Rakan statues attracts many travelers. 📍 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple 📍 2-5 Fukaya-cho, Saga-Toriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8439 🚗 Access 🚆 JR: Take the JR Sanin Main Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk for about 20 minutes 🚶 Walk: Walk for about 15 minutes from the bamboo forest in Arashiyama 🕙 Visiting Information 🕰 Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:30) 🌿 Must-see spots 1️⃣ Thousand Rakan Statues There are more than 1,200 Rakan statues lined up on the mountain slope within the temple grounds! If you look closely, you'll see that each one has a different expression and pose, smiling or surprised... It's fun to look for an arhat that looks like you and take a photo with it! 📸 2️⃣ Main Hall The main hall, which is the center of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, is not flashy, but it is a calm space with a sense of history. A Buddha statue is enshrined inside the hall, and you can pray quietly. 3️⃣ Bamboo Forest Path A beautiful bamboo forest spreads around the temple, creating a fantastic atmosphere like the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"! The contrast between the lush bamboo and the humorous arhat statues is fascinating. 4️⃣ Warmth of Hand Carving In fact, this arhat statue was hand carved by the head priest over a period of more than 30 years! Each one is filled with the warmth of handwork and the prayers of the head priest. ⛩ Recommended spots in the area 🌿 Tenryu-ji Temple (World Heritage Site) → A Zen temple representing the Arashiyama area. The harmony between the garden and the temple is beautiful, and it is a place where you can feel Japanese culture. 🌉 Togetsukyo Bridge → A symbolic bridge of Arashiyama! It harmonizes with the beautiful water surface of the Hozu River and is also popular as a photogenic spot. 📢 Travel tips ✔ A hidden spot with few tourists! You can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto quietly and leisurely ✔ The unique arhat statues are interesting! The humorous expressions are soothing just to look at ✔ The combination of the bamboo forest and the temple is a spectacular sight! Be sure to stop by while sightseeing in Arashiyama It's not a flashy tourist spot, but it's a temple that will warm your heart. If you're traveling to Kyoto, be sure to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple!

Discover Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple: A Hidden Gem in Kyoto 🍃 🌳 The path to the temple is a tranquil trail. Towering ancient trees surround you, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating golden speckles that cast a dreamy glow on the ground. Unnamed wildflowers bloom freely along the path—red, pink, purple—dotting the lush green landscape. As the gentle breeze blows, the flowers sway softly, as if whispering stories of this place. 🏯 Before even setting foot in the temple, you can see the rustic mountain gate from afar. Though weathered by time, the gate's wooden structure, while slightly worn, exudes a sense of timeless charm. The slightly upturned eaves resemble the wings of a bird about to take flight, full of vitality. Stepping through the gate, you're enveloped by an aura of tranquility, instantly separating you from the outside world's hustle and bustle. 🎐 The temple is small but exquisite. The courtyard is covered with fine white sand, meticulously raked into neat patterns, like ripples on a calm lake. Uniquely shaped stones are scattered among the sand, some smooth, some jagged, as if silently guarding this peaceful place. Beside the courtyard, several verdant bamboo stalks stand tall, their slender leaves rustling in the wind, adding a touch of life to the quiet scene. 🙏 Following the stone path, you'll reach the main hall. Its architectural style is distinctly traditional Japanese, with a wooden frame and dark tiles, both solemn and elegant. Inside, the dim light is filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance, instantly calming the mind. A majestic Buddha statue sits on a lotus throne, its compassionate gaze watching over every visitor. The flickering candlelight in front of the statue reflects on the devout faces of the worshippers, as if conveying a mystical power. 🌸 If you visit in spring, the temple's cherry trees will be in full bloom. The blossoms, like clouds of pink, fill the trees. With a gentle breeze, the petals flutter down like a romantic rain of flowers. The ground is quickly covered in pink petals, creating a dreamy, fairytale world. In autumn, the maple leaves turn red, adorning the temple in picturesque hues. The fiery red leaves, illuminated by the sun, are dazzling, like a painting created by nature's most vibrant colors. 👫 Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple doesn't attract many tourists. Occasionally, you might encounter a few elderly Japanese people in traditional clothing, holding prayer beads, quietly worshipping and praying. Here, time seems to slow down, and every moment is filled with poetry and Zen. I found a corner to sit in, closed my eyes, felt the gentle caress of the breeze, listened to the rustling leaves and birdsong, and felt an unprecedented sense of peace. 💕 Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple doesn't have the hustle and bustle of popular attractions, but it possesses a power that soothes the soul. If you're looking for a tranquil place in Kyoto to experience the unique serenity and beauty of an ancient temple, don't miss this hidden gem. It promises a unique Kyoto experience.

Unforgettable sights 🔶: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple 📍: 2-5 Saga Torimoto Fukatani-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 🎫: JPY 400 . This is probably the cutest temple in all of Kyoto. It's filled with adorable little Rakan statues, each with a unique expression and pose, just like a collection of cute emojis! . 🔶: About · Transportation Navigate to "Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple." You can take the JR Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then transfer to Kyoto Bus 🚌 Route 92 and get off at Atagoji-mae. . 📷: About · Photography 1⃣️: The temple is relatively niche, so there are fewer people, and it's great for photos in all seasons. In spring and summer, the little Rakans are covered in moss. In autumn, the temple has large maple trees 🍁, and in winter, you can capture the Rakans covered in snow❄️! 2️⃣: For the return trip, walking is recommended, as the downhill road is an ancient path, and both sides are lined with traditional Japanese buildings! Unforgettable sights

#japantrip #kyoto #travel #thingstodo #japan #summer #temple Tucked away in the quiet hills of Arashiyama, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a true hidden gem of Kyoto. What makes this temple special? 1,200 moss-covered stone statues, each with unique, whimsical expressions—some smiling, others laughing, and even a few holding cameras or making playful gestures! Walking among these charming Rakan statues, you’ll feel a serene yet lighthearted atmosphere that contrasts with Kyoto’s more traditional temples. It’s a peaceful retreat from the crowds, perfect for those who appreciate history with a touch of character. A short bus or taxi ride from central Arashiyama, this off-the-beaten-path treasure is worth the journey.

#japantrip #kyoto #solotrip #thingstodo #travel #japan #temple Nestled in the hills of Arashiyama, Kyoto, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is a hidden treasure with over 1,200 quirky stone statues of rakan (Buddha’s disciples). Each sculpture is unique, showcasing expressions ranging from serene to downright humorous. Walking among these moss-covered carvings felt like being surrounded by a crowd of ancient storytellers. Practical tip: It’s a bit of a hike from central Arashiyama, but the journey is worth it. The peaceful atmosphere and whimsical artistry make this temple a must-visit for those seeking an offbeat and memorable experience in Kyoto.

Compared to other tourist spots in Kyoto, this is a hidden spot that not many people know about! But it's a really wonderful and beautiful temple. The fun of finding your favorite stone Buddha from the rows of stone Buddhas in the temple grounds is exceptional. The best part is that it's especially quiet in the morning, so you can take a leisurely stroll. Each stone Buddha has its own expression and personality, and just looking at it is soothing. It seems that it was once abandoned, but that's also what makes it so appealing. --- 📍Location: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City ⏰Opening hours: 8:00-16:30 #0 yen trip January 2025 #Kyoto sightseeing #Kyoto sightseeing #kyoto #

The main deity is the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, who has been revered as a deity that wards off disasters and relieves misfortunes since the Heian period. Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple is famous for its butterfly blossoms in the spring and is known as the "Arhat Temple of Red Leaves" in the fall. The temple has more than 1,200 stone Arhats with rich expressions, which can calm the soul. In autumn, the leaves of Mt. Okusaga turn red, and the dense maple leaves of Niomon, the main hall built in the Kamakura period, Jizodo, and the Arhat statue fade into the background, deepening the beauty of Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple. #2024TravelReview

I found this place when I searched Kyoto. Since I enjoyed watching Spirited Away, the stone statue here felt very familiar. This stone statue is similar to the stone statue in front of the tunnel where Chihiro's family stopped in the car in the movie. When I went to this famous spot in person, it felt like I was in the movie, and it was very interesting and amazing. #NovemberTravelSupportEvent #Kyoto

Escape the crowds and avoid 95% of tourists. Tokai Nature Trail Takao-Kiyotaki-Arashiyama section. You can start hiking after visiting the three temples in Takao. The trail is relatively easy, with some sections having gravel and small streams. It's best to go on a sunny day, and if it rains, wait a day before hiking. I chose to visit Jingo-ji Temple in the morning and then started hiking to Arashiyama. I only encountered a Japanese couple hiking in the opposite direction. The hike takes about 3-4 hours. In the Arashiyama section, you can visit Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Jojakko-ji Temple along the way. There are no shops along the trail, so it's best to bring your own rice balls and drinks. The photos were taken in early December last year.

There is a hidden spot for viewing autumn leaves in the area of ​​Sagano, further north from the Arashiyama area! This time, I would like to introduce "Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple" in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto. It is the starting point of the "Sagano Tour" which takes you around the temples, shrines and famous places around Saga. 🏃♂️And this temple appears in the manga "Rurouni Kenshin" and is a sacred place. 😍 This temple has 1200 stone statues called arhat statues, each with a different expression, which is interesting to look at. 🤣 It is a spot where you can experience a slightly different worldview of autumn leaves, as it has a hall with a structure that you won't see at other temples in Kyoto City! It is a little on the mountain side, so it is about a week earlier than the autumn leaves spots in the city, but I hope you will visit it during your Kyoto autumn leaves stroll in late November, when the busiest time of the year is off! You can even take a bus right in front of it! That's it! What do you think? If you want to enjoy autumn leaves without the super crowds, this is a hidden gem, so please come and visit us😆 ~ ...

Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Saga, Kyoto, is a unique temple with a row of cute arhat statues. The temple grounds, with over 1,200 expressive stone Buddhas, are a mysterious and soothing space. It is a quiet place surrounded by nature, so it is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. 1. A wide selection of unique arhat statues! 🗿 There are over 1,200 arhat statues lined up in the temple grounds, each with their own unique personality. Some are smiling, some have serious expressions, some are holding cameras, and some are even wearing glasses! These stone Buddhas are full of humor and will make you feel happy just by looking at them. It's fun to walk around looking for your favorite arhat statues 😄✨ 2. Beautiful scenery where nature and Buddhist statues blend together 🍁 Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple is attractive for its collaboration between nature and Buddhist statues in the four seasons. The autumn leaves are especially beautiful in the fall, and the contrast between the stone Buddhas and the autumn leaves creates a wonderful landscape. The season of fresh greenery and the snowy scenery in winter each have their own unique charms, so it's a place you can enjoy no matter how many times you visit 🌿🍂 3. A healing place where you can spend quiet time 🌸 Atagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a relatively quiet and calm temple in the Arashiyama area, which is visited by many tourists. It is a little away from the bustling area, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely temple tour. Why not relax surrounded by stone Buddhas while spending a leisurely time? ⛩️🍃 Atagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a hidden Kyoto attraction where you can be healed by cute arhat statues and nature. When you are strolling around the Arashiyama area, it is worth going a little further to visit! Thank you for reading to the end. I've been there! If you have other recommended spots! I look forward to your comments. In addition, all the photos posted here were taken by me, and I do not permit unauthorized use or reproduction. #OtagiNenbutsuJiTemple #KyotoTourism #LetsGoToKyoto #kyoto

The Arashiyama area, located west of Kyoto City, is a mountainous area with a quiet environment and is home to many ancient temples. This time when I went to Arashiyama to enjoy the maple leaves, I discovered a very small and cute temple. 👉🏻Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple ⭕Atago Nenbutsu-ji Temple was founded by Emperor Koken in the middle of the eighth century. It was once destroyed by the flood of Kamo River, and it went through many hardships and reconstructions in the long river of history, and was finally moved here. The biggest feature of the temple is the 1,200 stone statues with different expressions scattered throughout the courtyard. ⭕These stone statues are all handmade by believers. No two are the same. Just like all living things, it is a pleasure to look at them carefully. There is a little easter egg: a laughing stone statue hidden among the many faces. Whether you can find it depends on your luck. ⭕The Buddha statue enshrined in the temple is the Thousand-Armed Guanyin. Because the expressions on the left and right sides are different, it is called the "Double-faced Thousand-armed Guanyin". It is worth mentioning that admiring the maple leaves through the windows in the main hall has a more ancient charm. I would like to call it a substitute for "Rurikoin". ⭕Compared to other popular temples in Arashiyama, this temple has fewer tourists because of its remote location, but the scenery along the way is beautiful. In the autumn afternoon, the weather is clear and the sun is shining, making it a colorful place, which is especially suitable for hiking. 📍Address: 2-5, Aitoriimotofukayacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 🚞Transportation: Take the Kyoto Bus from Karasuma Central Exit of JR Kyoto Station on the Kiyotaki line and get off at Atagoji-mae. From Arashiyama Station, take bus No. 92 or 94 on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Atagoji-mae Station. 🎫Tickets: 300 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and middle school students🆓 ⏳Opening hours: 08:00–16:30