Rakan-ji Temple

Rakanji

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A magnificent temple nestled in a deep mountain valley, housing over 3,700 stone Buddhist statues. Experience a mystical space steeped in history and faith, including Japan's oldest collection of 500 Arhat statues.

Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples

HighlightsMagnificent temple housing over 3,700 stone Buddhist statues
Japan's oldest collection of 500 Arhat statues
Temple gate and main hall built into a cliff face
Mystical space seamlessly integrated with nature
Space imbued with history and faith

Basic Information

Address: 1519 Atoda, Honyamagakeimachi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Oita

Access: Take the Daikohoku Bus bound for Yamagakei and Hita from Nakatsu Station on the JR Kyushu Hitoyoshi Line. Get off at the Nakajima bus stop and walk for 20 minutes. From National Route 212, enter National Route 500 and continue for about 1.5 km. A 15-minute walk from the base of the mountain to the main hall. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Cld.Days: Open daily

Fee: ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for children

INFO: Please note: The Yamegai Lift is currently out of business. Please also note that the parking lot is located a short distance from Rakan-ji Temple.

HP: https://www.city-nakatsu.jp/doc/2014100700010/

Overview

Rakan-ji Temple, located in the deeply forested Yamagakei region of Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture, is a grand temple housing over 3,700 stone Buddhist statues. Its history dates back to the legendary founding in 645 AD by Hodo Shonin, although the temple's practical establishment is generally considered to be in 1337 or 1338 AD, when Engan Shokaku enshrined sixteen arhats in the area. The original temple is believed to have been located at "Furu Rakan," a rocky mountain across from the current Rakan-ji. The temple's gate and main hall are built into the cliff face, creating a mystical space that seamlessly blends with nature. The collection of 500 arhat statues in the Murokutsu cave is particularly renowned, considered Japan's oldest such collection, offering a tangible sense of history and profound faith. Each statue has a unique and captivating expression. Rakan-ji Temple is a mystical place, brimming with history and faith, offering a deeply moving experience for visitors. Take your time to appreciate the expressions of the statues and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Rakan-ji Temple

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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