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Japan: Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple in the suburbs of Kyoto.  There you will find 1200 rakans (stone statues representing the disciples of Buddha).  These statues, in keeping with rakan traditions, are generally humorous and kawaii. The sculptures were donated in 1981 in honor of the refurbishment of the temple. Most were carved by amateurs, taught by sculptor Kocho Nishimura. [wiki]

Otagi Nenbutsuji

The closest train station is the Saga-Arashiyama station (JR Sagano Line).  On arrival, it’s best to just take a taxi up to the temple.  Entrance fee is 300 yen.

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Dripping rain…tranquility.

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Some of the rakans are quite serious….

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Wind chiming…totally in the Zen.

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

…but really, we can’t be serious ALL the time!

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

MEGA LOL….

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Hungry Cactus’ Verdict: A

The thousands of rakans around the Otagi Nenbutsuji temple were really interesting!  Each face had a different expression, a different story…some angry, but most silly!  It’s better that way, yes? =)  I’m sure it would take all day to go through all the rakans!  Overall, a very unique temple to visit.