Atago Nenbutsuji Temple stands on a hillside along the historic approach to the sacred Mt. Atago, a temple with a quiet, calm, and pleasantly welcoming atmosphere.
Originally built in 766, the temple was damaged several times by natural disasters, and after several reconstructions, it was moved to its current location in 1922.
In 1980, a full-scale restoration project was undertaken for 10 years, including the dismantling and restoration of the temple gate and the entire temple grounds.
At that time, the temple asked the general public to come and carve stone statues of arhats (disciples of Lord Buddha) to be placed on the temple grounds to pray for the prosperity of the temple.
The resulting 1,200 stone statues are the distinguishing feature of Atago Nenbutsu-ji. Each statue is unique, some are holding a cat, some are drinking a cup, some are smiling.
No two Arhats are the same, and they are a source of comfort and relaxation for visitors.
| Address | 2-5 Sagano-Fukatani-cho, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8439, Japan |
|---|---|
| Business hours | 8:00-16:30 |
| Regular days off | without a holiday |
| Fees | 400 yen (Free for elementary and junior high school students) |
| Inquiries | 075-285-1549 |
| Home page | https://www.otagiji.com/ |
