Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

Park

★ 4.9 (12K+ reviews) • 292K+ booked

Nestled in the serene hills of Kyoto's Arashiyama neighborhood, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is a hidden gem that promises a whimsical and unique experience for the adventurous traveler. Known for its collection of 1200 quirky Rakan statues, this temple offers a delightful escape from the usual tourist trails, blending history, culture, and humor in a tranquil setting. Unlike the bustling tourist spots, Otagi Nenbutsuji provides a captivating and off-the-beaten-path adventure, inviting travelers to explore its rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic expression. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with Japan's spiritual and artistic traditions.

2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan

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4.9 /5

12K+ reviews

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Andrew *****

1 Jul

Amy did is awesome job of getting the group to the sites we wanted to see. she was helpful in explaining the different areas we went as well as taking pictures if you asked her.

Mary *****

1 Jul

Such a peaceful and scenic ride—perfect for relaxing and soaking in Arashiyama's natural beauty!

클룩 회원

30 Jun

I usually prefer independent travel, so I was reluctant to take a package tour. The schedule is tight, there is little freedom, and sometimes a semi-mandatory shopping schedule is included, so I have always chosen to plan my trips on my own. However, this trip was my boyfriend's last trip to Japan before he leaves for the US for a few years, so I put a lot of thought into the planning and wanted an efficient and satisfying schedule. Then, I found out about the Kyoto bus tour of 'Travel One Bowl' on the internet, and since the reviews from actual users were all positive, I made a reservation with half doubt. To conclude, I was very satisfied. I was able to enjoy the beautiful bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the dazzling Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari with its numerous red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the symbol of Kyoto. I was able to leisurely enjoy Kyoto's key attractions with ample time. There was almost no time error in the schedule, so I was able to enjoy the trip as planned, which was especially satisfying. Even though I went without any information, the route and explanation were clear, so I was able to tour without any confusion. When I told the guide that the air conditioning seemed weak, he took immediate action and kept checking to see if there were any inconveniences, so I was impressed by the service. The bus was comfortable, the guide was cheerful and kind, and the photo shoots at each photo spot were really sincere. He also told me the best photo spots, so I got a lot of great photos. This was my first time with such a kind guide. Thank you, guide Jeong Sang-hoon! I had no idea where to eat in a new place, but he gave me detailed information about good restaurants, cafes, and souvenirs, so it was much easier and more informative. Thanks to him, I was able to make really precious memories with my boyfriend, and it was a trip full of warm memories. Next time I go to Japan, I want to go to Fukuoka, and I want to use Travel One Bowl again. Thank you for creating memories that will last a long time.

Klook客路用户

30 Jun

I hope you all come to take this photo. The service is great, there are so many choices, the clothes are all new, neat and beautiful, and basically any style can be satisfied. Every clerk has a very good service attitude.

전 **

30 Jun

"You know <Travel One Bowl>? I'm Inma! <Travel One Bowl>, so I ate! I went to a cafe! I went shopping! I went sightseeing! I did everything!" It was really the best trip! Kyoto is a place where it's hard to move between tourist spots. If you just stay in Kyoto for a few days, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto and take your time sightseeing... But what if!!! If you come to Osaka and can't miss Kyoto and stop by for a day, there are so many things you want to see, but you have to wait for the bus. What about a taxi? Oh~ It's so expensive... Especially these days, when the temperature is over 30 degrees and it rains sometimes, it's just stressful. That's what the weather was like when we actually visited... If you brought adults or have children, it would be even more chaotic... In times like this! "Travel One Bowl"'s Kyoto tour was the perfect product. The important explanations are finished on the bus! We only go to the important points together, and from then on, you're free. It was a program that only combined the advantages of a real package and independent travel. Of course, because of the nature of the package, you may not feel like you have enough time... But "Travel One Bowl" has the longest stay time at each tourist site compared to other Kyoto tours. Thanks to that, we were able to take a lot of pictures, eat at a restaurant we had already chosen, visit a cafe twice, and go around cute shops to buy furikake and souvenirs, and eat famous snacks~ Even if you don't have a restaurant or cafe in mind, the guide will give you a map and send you a list of recommendations via KakaoTalk, so don't worry~ If you say, "I'm hot and tired, I want to rest," you can wait in the air-conditioned bus until the other travelers come back~ Also, at Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji, they took pictures with the camera you brought, and they said they would edit them and send them to you~ They even sent you a Japanese fortune-telling translation via KakaoTalkㅋㅋㅋ → Thank you to our guide, Seo Chae-hee, for doing all this! I really recommend it!

Sandra ***********

30 Jun

Unfortunately, it rained heavily on the day of travel, but the ride on the Sagano Romantic Train was still unforgettable. The entire train crew bids you a sweet farewell upon departure, and the conductor tells you all about the route. There's a great little museum and café at the station, and all in all, the ride is highly recommended; the river and the forests are beautiful.

클룩 회원

30 Jun

It's June 30th. I went on a tour with Noh Min-ho as a guide. It's absolutely impossible to do this without a tour in such hot weather. The guide's detailed explanations and ample viewing time were great. The guide's guide to the meals and tea house were also good. I had the very cheap 950 yen cold udon with egg and ma, and it was so delicious. I really appreciate the sense of taking a few pictures for me. My wife really liked Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The temple itself was nice, but it was also appealing to be able to see many places near it. I will recommend this to my friends who couldn't come with me because their reservation schedules didn't match~ Kyoto~! If you want to save time and see everything, go with the Travel One Bowl Tour~~!!

Rosalyn *****

30 Jun

shout out to our tour guide anson. nice and friendly. destinations were great and we were given ample time to visit each. convenient and practical tour. thank you klook!

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Rakan Statues

Step into a world of whimsy and wonder at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, where 1200 Rakan statues await to captivate your imagination. Each statue, a unique masterpiece carved by different individuals, showcases a delightful array of expressions and poses. From the serene to the downright hilarious, these statues, guided into existence by the temple's former head priest, Kocho Nishimura, offer a playful glimpse into the diverse personalities of Buddha's disciples. Whether you're a history buff or simply in search of a smile, these charming figures promise an unforgettable experience.

Main Hall

Journey back in time as you step into the Main Hall of Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, a relic from the Kamakura period (1185--1333). This ancient structure, steeped in history, houses the temple's principal image, Kannon, the spirit of mercy. The hall's timeless architecture and serene ambiance provide a perfect backdrop for reflection and appreciation of the temple's rich heritage. Whether you're drawn by its historical significance or the peaceful aura it exudes, the Main Hall is a must-visit for anyone exploring the temple grounds.

Yaku-yoke Senju Kannon

Discover the mystical allure of the Yaku-yoke Senju Kannon at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. This revered statue, carved by the skilled hands of Senkan Naigu, is a thousand-armed Bodhisattva believed to ward off bad luck. Its unique asymmetrical eyes symbolize the duality of Buddha's mercy, embodying both strictness and tenderness. As you stand before this powerful figure, feel the protective energy and spiritual depth that have drawn pilgrims and visitors alike to seek its blessings for centuries.

Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku is a famous tower in Osaka, known for its bright lights and great views of the city. When you visit, you can go to the top and look out over Osaka from the observation deck. Inside, there are fun shops, places to eat, and even a lucky statue called Billiken that people rub for good luck. It's a fun place to explore, especially at night when the tower lights up. If you're coming from Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in Kyoto, it takes about 90 minutes to get there by train.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, originally established in the 8th century, has a fascinating history of resilience. Initially built in the Higashiyama area in 770, it was relocated due to natural disasters. Despite facing floods, fires, and a typhoon, the temple has been restored multiple times. In 1955, Kocho Nishimura, a talented Buddhist statue sculptor, breathed new life into the temple by inviting visitors to carve unique rakan statues between 1981 and 1991. This initiative transformed the temple into a vibrant symbol of creativity and endurance, showcasing the artistic spirit of its contributors.

Artistic Legacy

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is a remarkable blend of religion and art, where the Nishimura family has continued to innovate by integrating music, photography, and video. This creative approach celebrates the Buddha's message of happiness, making the temple not just a place of worship but also a hub of artistic expression. Visitors can experience this unique fusion, which adds a modern twist to the temple's ancient roots.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple