Take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station, then the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line to Atago-dera-mae Station via Kyoto City Bus bound for Kiyotaki. The bus ride takes approximately 18 minutes. Buses run about once an hour during the day, so check the schedule beforehand. Also, note that on Saturdays and holidays, the return bus does not go via Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Line.
Alternatively, you can take Kyoto City Bus No. 72 bound for Kiyotaki from JR Kyoto Station (60-minute ride). However, there is only one bus in the 5 PM range on weekdays and holidays, and two on Saturdays, making this option impractical for sightseeing purposes. The return trip is also only available in the early morning (and not at all on holidays).
Another option is to take Kyoto City Bus No. 62 bound for Kiyotaki from Shijo Kawaramachi or Sanjo Keihan. The ride takes about 60 minutes. However, there's only one bus in the 7 AM range from these stations, and the return trip is only available in the early morning, making it unsuitable for tourism. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 4:15 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
¥500 for adults, ¥300 for children
INFO
While you are free to wander the temple grounds, access to certain areas may be restricted. Flash photography of the rakan statues is prohibited.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Tokaku-zan, and its principal image is the Yakujyo Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon, Goddess of Disaster Prevention). Also known as the Temple of 1200 Rakan, it's situated at the foot of Mt. Atago's Atago Shrine approach, serving as the starting point for Saga-no sightseeing. While initially a branch temple of the Toji school of Shingon Buddhism in the early Heian period, it fell into disrepair during the reign of Emperor Daigo. Flooding from the Kamogawa River destroyed its buildings, leaving it abandoned. Emperor Daigo ordered its restoration by Senkan Naiku, a Tendai monk who became known as Nenbutsu Shonin. The temple's name was changed to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji because Senkan practiced Nenbutsu (recitation of the Amida Buddha's name) here. The temple experienced periods of prosperity and decline, eventually leaving only the main hall, Jizo-do (Jizo Hall), and Niomon Gate. In 1922, the main hall was relocated to its current location for preservation and reconstruction efforts. However, it became uninhabited during the Pacific War and suffered extensive damage from the Jane Typhoon in 1950. In 1955, the Buddhist sculptor and monk, Kimura Kimitomo, was instructed by Enryaku-ji Temple (the head temple of the Tendai sect) to revive Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and became its chief priest, initially hesitant to take on the task. Encouraged by the chief priest of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Onishi Ryokei, who said, "The temple is so damaged that even removing a single blade of grass or moving a stone will qualify you as a restorer. I will help you," Kimura undertook the restoration. Since then, he has worked on the temple grounds while traveling the country as a Buddhist sculptor. In 1980, the ten-year-long dismantling and repair of the Niomon Gate began, marking the start of a full-scale restoration. From 1981, ordinary people began participating in the "Showa Rakan Carving Project," creating and donating Rakan statues. The initial goal of 500 statues was surpassed, reaching 1200 ten years later.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple offers a serene and mystical atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Compare the expressions and stories of the 1200 Rakan statues. The main hall and Niomon Gate are also noteworthy architectural features. Since it's located at the entrance to the Mt. Atago approach, it's a convenient stop before visiting Atago Shrine.
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