Rakan-ji Temple and the Five Hundred Rakan Statues

Overview

Rakan-ji Temple, a Koyasan Shingon sect temple located in Ōmori-machi, Ōda City, Shimane Prefecture, was founded in 1764 (the first year of the Meiwa era) by Ginkai Jōin. Known as a place of worship for those working in the Iwami Ginzan silver mine, the 500 Rakan statues stand as a powerful symbol of their faith. Construction began during the Genbun era (1736-1740) and was completed 25 years later by the Tsubouchi Heishichi school of stone carvers from Onsenzu. Each statue boasts a unique and expressive face, vividly portraying a wide range of human emotions, from sadness and anger to joy. These powerful expressions draw the viewer in, making them feel incredibly real. The statues are said to embody the hardships and hopes of the miners who toiled in the Iwami Ginzan. Beyond the 500 Rakan, Rakan-ji Temple offers numerous other attractions, including a stone arched bridge dating back to the temple's founding and legendary twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the main hall. When visiting the Iwami Ginzan, be sure to include Rakan-ji Temple in your itinerary.