Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Endo Tamonten Enpukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
新潟県魚沼市佐梨433
Visiting Status Reservation required (9:00–16:00 / closed in winter, roughly Dec–Apr)
PeacefulnessNobilityDepth
The principal image of Enpukuji is a wooden seated Amida Nyorai from the early Kamakura period. An inscription inside the statue records that it was made on August 26, 1214. It was designated a Important Cultural Property in 1960; the temple’s wooden standing Tamonten was added to the same national designation in 2019. Viewing the Important Cultural Properties is strictly by telephone reservation from 9:00 to 16:00. The temple describes the visit as a quiet Buddhist experience including a brief prayer and meditation, an explanation of the Important Cultural Properties, and tea while looking out over the garden; it takes about one to one and a half hours. There is no set admission or participation fee, and visitors are asked to make a voluntary donation. The hall is closed because of snow from roughly December through April.
Koguriyama Mokujiki Kannon-do
Buddhist Image Thirty-Three Kannon Statues, Gyoki Bosatsu and Daikokuten by Mokujiki Shonin Category Other
新潟県小千谷市小栗山
Visiting Status May–Oct: unveiled on the 17th of each month and bullfighting days (about 9:00–15:00) / reservation required on other days / closed Nov–Apr
GentlenessWarmthPeacefulness
This group consists of 35 wooden images carved by the itinerant monk Mokujiki Shonin when he visited Koguriyama on his second pilgrimage through Echigo in 1803: thirty-three Kannon statues, Gyoki Bosatsu and Daikokuten. Their full cheeks, arched heavy eyebrows, large curved eyes and deeply smiling mouths exemplify the style known as “smiling Buddhas,” long cherished by local people. The group is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture. From May through October it is unveiled on the 17th of each month and on days when the local bullfighting event is held, generally from 9:00 to around 15:00. Viewing on other days may be arranged by reservation. The hall cannot be visited from November through April because of snow.
Myokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Aizen Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
新潟県小千谷市川井114
Visiting Status Unveiled on the 26th of every month (Apr–Oct 8:00–17:00 / Nov–Mar 9:00–16:00); also unveiled Jan 1–3 and at the annual festival on the second Saturday of June
PowerTense PresenceMystery
The principal image of Myokoji is a wooden seated Aizen Myoo. Measuring 119 cm high and made of hinoki cypress in joined-block construction, it is dated to the late Kamakura period. The figure wears a lion crown, has hair rising upward, three wide-open eyes, a vivid wrathful expression and six arms holding ritual implements including a five-pronged vajra, bell, vajra arrow, vajra bow and lotus. Designated a Important Cultural Property in 1935, it is affectionately known locally as “Aizen-sama” and is worshipped for household safety, business prosperity, protection from misfortune, good fortune and matchmaking. It is unveiled at the monthly service on the 26th, as well as Jan 1–3 and during the annual Aizen Myoo Festival on the second Saturday of June.
Juo-do (Sekimachi Community Hall)
Buddhist Image Seated Statues of Enma Daio, the Ten Kings and Binzuru Sonja by Mokujiki Shonin Category Other
新潟県柏崎市関町4-34（関町会館内）
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Apr–Nov, 9:00–17:00 / closed Dec–Mar for winter)
WarmthPowerDepth
Juo-do in Kashiwazaki’s Biwajima area preserves Buddhist images carved by Mokujiki Shonin in 1804–1805, including Enma Daio, the Ten Kings and Binzuru Sonja. Twelve figures were originally made; eight can now be viewed inside the hall, while the remaining four are displayed at the Kashiwazaki City Museum. Their rounded forms and deep smiles exemplify the “smiling Buddhas” of Mokujiki’s later years, while Enma Daio has a particularly powerful presence. Viewing requires advance reservation through the Kashiwazaki Tourist Association and is available from 9:00 to 17:00 from April through November; the hall is closed from December through March.
Hoshoji Temple, Shingon-shu Buzan-ha
Buddhist Image Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon and Self-Portrait Statue by Mokujiki Shonin Category Other
新潟県長岡市白鳥町486
Visiting Status Advance contact required
GentlenessWarmthPeacefulness
Hoshoji preserves a group of Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon carved by Mokujiki Shonin in the summer of 1804, when he was 87, from a giant ginkgo tree that stood in the temple grounds. One statue was stolen during the 1880 fire, leaving 32 Kannon figures and one self-portrait statue today. The Kannon figures average about 90 cm in height and display the deep, clear smiles characteristic of Mokujiki’s mature late-period “smiling Buddhas”; they are also exceptionally well preserved. The group was designated a Tangible Cultural Property (sculpture) of Niigata Prefecture in 1967. Advance contact with the temple is required to view the Mokujiki Hall.
Kamimaejima Konpira-do
Buddhist Image Chichibu Thirty-Four Kannon, Self-Portrait Statue and Konpira Daigongen by Mokujiki Shonin Category Other
新潟県長岡市上前島町
Visiting Status Advance contact required
WarmthGentlenessDepth
Kamimaejima Konpira-do preserves a group of 36 Mokujiki statues carved in 1804, when Mokujiki Shonin was 87: the Chichibu Thirty-Four Kannon, a self-portrait statue and Konpira Daigongen. Nagaoka City describes it as the largest surviving group of Mokujiki images in Japan. Local tradition says children once used the statues as flotation aids when playing in the river in summer, as sleds in winter and even for minding younger children; as a result, many of the figures are heavily worn. The group vividly shows how Mokujiki’s images were woven into everyday local life and was designated a Cultural Property of Nagaoka City in 1983. Advance contact is required for viewing.
Fudozan Anjuji Temple, Soto Zen
Buddhist Image Hibo Thirty-Three Kannon by Mokujiki Shonin Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県柏崎市石曽根3216
Visiting Status Advance reservation required
WarmthDepthStillness
Anjuji houses a complete group of 33 Kannon images by Mokujiki Shonin known as the “Hibo Thirty-Three Kannon” and has long been known as a temple where visitors can encounter a large group of Mokujiki statues. Mokujiki Shonin was an itinerant monk of the late Edo period who traveled throughout Japan carving numerous wooden Buddhist images; his rounded forms and gentle smiles are widely known as “smiling Buddhas.” The opportunity to view 33 Kannon together makes Anjuji a particularly worthwhile destination for those interested in Mokujiki sculpture. Advance reservation with the temple is required.
Echigo Tainai Kannon
Buddhist Image Echigo Tainai Kannon (Standing Kannon Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県胎内市下赤谷384-1
Visiting Status Open for worship year-round
DignitySolemnityPeacefulness
This great bronze Kannon was erected on August 28, 1970, to pray for the repose of those who died in the 1967 Uetsu Flood, for recovery from the disaster, and for national safety, peace and prosperity. Standing 7.3 m high and weighing 4 tons, it was the tallest bronze Kannon statue in Japan at the time of its construction. The figure stands in prayer on an eight-petaled lotus pedestal and is also known as the “Wave-Riding Kannon” because it appears to be standing on waves. The Great Kannon can be worshipped year-round. The grounds also include a Nio gate, Kirinden Hall with an Eleven-Faced Kannon as its principal image, and a Yakushido Hall, and the site continues to draw worshippers for New Year visits and annual observances.
Sado Daikannon Showa Hall
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu (Sado Daikannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県佐渡市中興字黒藤乙3473
Visiting Status Advance contact required (admission fee)
DignitySolemnityMystery
Showa Hall houses more than 220 Buddhist statues, centered on its enormous principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu known as Sado Daikannon. Erected in 1970 through the vow of Yamaguchi Ryukai, the 24th priest of Ishina Seisuiji, it was carved from a single piece of 2,200-year-old cypress and rises more than 7 m (2 jo 8 shaku) high. Official tourism information says it is reputed to be the world’s largest wooden Buddhist statue. Numerous other images, including Wisdom Kings, fill the hall, making it a destination worth visiting specifically for Buddhist sculpture. Advance contact is required; admission is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for elementary-school children.
Ryukokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Group of About 120 Buddhist Statues in Myokodo Hall Category Other
新潟県南魚沼市大崎3455
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–18:00; admission fee / open daily except during temple events)
SolemnityMysteryStillness
Myokodo Hall at Ryukokuji houses about 120 Buddhist statues, while the adjacent white hall enshrines a Kannon donated from Hawaii and a Kaiun Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu. The opportunity to view a large group of Buddhist images together is a major attraction. In the Main Hall, visitors can also see openwork transom carvings by Ishikawa Uncho, often called the “Michelangelo of Echigo.” Official tourism information lists viewing hours as 9:00–18:00, with the temple open daily except during temple events, and an admission fee of 300 yen. The combination of Buddhist statues, distinctive halls and Uncho carvings makes this a representative Buddhist-art destination in Minamiuonuma.
Daihizan Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Sokushinbutsu of Bukkai Shonin Category Other
新潟県村上市肴町15-28
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–17:00 / winter 8:00–16:30; free)
DepthMysteryStillness
The Main Hall of Daihizan Kannonji enshrines the preserved body of Bukkai Shonin, regarded as Japan's last sokushinbutsu. Born in Murakami in 1828, Bukkai Shonin trained for many years at temples including Churenji on Mount Yudono and undertook rigorous ascetic practices including mokujiki abstention from the five grains and periods of mountain seclusion. He entered final meditation (nyujo) in 1903 at the age of 76 and, after excavation and investigation in 1961, was enshrined as a sokushinbutsu. Today he is placed to the right rear of a Miroku Bosatsu image in the Main Hall and may be viewed freely by general visitors. Viewing hours are 8:00–17:00, or 8:00–16:30 in winter, and admission is free. Photography inside is prohibited.
Kaiunzan Saishoji Temple, Shingon-shu Chisan-ha
Buddhist Image Sokushinbutsu of Kochi Hoin Category Other
新潟県長岡市寺泊野積8996
Visiting Status Viewing available (9:00–15:30 last admission; irregular closures / closed in winter)
DepthMysteryStillness
Kochido Hall at Saishoji enshrines Kochi Hoin, regarded as the oldest surviving sokushinbutsu in Japan. After training at Mount Koya, Kochi Hoin is said to have traveled throughout Japan and helped establish temples. On October 2, 1363, after roughly 3,000 days of severe ascetic practice, he entered final meditation (nyujo) beneath the earth and became a sokushinbutsu. The sokushinbutsu can be viewed by general visitors today, with reception from 9:00 to 15:30. Admission is 500 yen for adults and high-school students and 300 yen for elementary and junior-high students. In addition to regular and irregular closures, including the 28th of each month, the afternoon of the 24th, July 15, August 1, August 13–15 and the first Sunday of October, viewing is suspended in winter, so visitors should check the official calendar before visiting.
Hishigata Zenkai-do (Matsui-san Kannonji Temple)
Buddhist Image Sokushinbutsu of Zenkai Hoshi Category Other
新潟県東蒲原郡阿賀町豊実甲1779
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled every July 8)
DepthMysteryStillness
Hishigata Zenkai-do, in the grounds of Matsui-san Kannonji, enshrines the sokushinbutsu of Zenkai Hoshi, who devoted his life to improving dangerous sections of the Agano River. He is remembered as a religious figure who worked for the safety and livelihood of local people, and his sokushinbutsu has continued to attract devotion. It is normally closed to the public and is unveiled only during the annual festival on July 8. The Aga Tourism Association's 2026 notice confirmed an unveiling from 7:30 to 14:00 on July 8, showing that the site remains an active local place of pilgrimage.
Fukujusan Kannonji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県新潟市秋葉区新町2-5-51
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually on August 10 during Sen-nichi Mairi)
PurityDepthStillness
The principal image of Kannonji is a Sho Kannon Bosatsu, 1 shaku 2 sun tall, enshrined inside a cabinet in the Main Hall. According to temple tradition, Prince Shotoku carved the image himself during the reign of Emperor Yomei out of concern for an epidemic. In the Tensho era it passed to the family of Niitsu castle lord Niitsu Tanba-no-kami Kagesuke and became the principal image of their private worship hall. It was later rediscovered by Dassan Bunno, the sixth priest of Shohoji, who founded Kannonji in 1615 and enshrined it there. The temple is the 10th station of the Kanbara Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage. Normally kept hidden, the image is unveiled once a year on August 10 during Sen-nichi Mairi, when an osunafumi observance for Japan's Hundred Kannon pilgrimage is also held.
Jinguji Temple, Soto Zen
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県十日町市四日町1300
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually on January 17 and July 15–17)
MysterySolemnityDepth
The principal image of Jinguji's Kannon Hall is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu, believed to date from the 12th century in the late Heian period and regarded as the oldest Buddhist statue in the area. Just over 107 cm high, it is carved from a single block of cherry wood, bears eleven small faces above its head and has forty-two arms. White clay is applied to the flesh and vermilion to the garments, while the thick, substantial body and mysterious form are distinctive. It was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture in 1971. Normally kept hidden inside a cabinet, it is unveiled to the public every January 17 and July 15–17. A 33-day extended unveiling is also held once every 33 years; in 2026 it ran from July 17 to August 18.
Myohakusan Saimyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県三条市院内193
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually on February 18 and August 9)
MysteryNobilityDepth
The principal image in Saimyoji's Kannon Hall is a seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu in the forty-two-arm form. Measuring 116.5 cm high, it is carved from a single block of coniferous wood thought to be cedar and is dated to the first half of the 13th century in the Kamakura period. Thirty transformation faces are arranged in four tiers above the head, most of them bodhisattva faces, creating an exceptionally rare iconographic form; the unpainted wood finish and archaic robe folds are also distinctive. Older seated Thousand-Armed Kannon images are themselves relatively uncommon. The statue was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Sanjo City in 2010. It is the principal image of the 33rd station of the Echigo Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage and can be viewed only during its annual unveilings on February 18 and August 9.
Rurikozan Komyoin Yakushido
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
新潟県新潟市江南区木津1-13-16
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually May 7–8 and November 7–8)
PeacefulnessDepthMystery
The principal image of Komyoin Yakushido is a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai. It is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Niigata City, whose cultural-property list dates it broadly to the Heian–Kamakura periods. Temple tradition attributes the image to Gyoki, and it has long been revered locally as the “Kitsu Yakushi,” especially for prayers concerning eye ailments. Mitarashi Pond in the grounds is said to be the place where the principal image was once hidden underground, and a rare three-pillared torii stands in the pond to honor the three people connected with its rediscovery. Normally kept hidden, the image is unveiled during the spring festival on May 7–8 and the autumn festival on November 7–8 each year.
Echigo Zenkoji Nyorai-do
Buddhist Image Zenkoji-style Amida Nyorai Triad Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
新潟県新潟市西蒲区善光寺42
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually on August 16)
DignitySolemnityDepth
The principal image of Echigo Zenkoji Nyorai-do is a wooden Zenkoji-style Amida Nyorai triad in the same iconographic form as the principal image of Shinshu Zenkoji. Niigata City's cultural-property list records the three figures as dating from the Muromachi to Edo periods, and they were designated a Tangible Cultural Property of the city in 1996. Temple tradition says the site was founded in 1555 by Ozeki Awa-no-kami Morinori and that his daughter, Katsura-hime, received the principal image from Shinano Zenkoji. The present hall was begun in 1765 and the image was installed in 1771. The site has continued as a local place of devotion, and the principal image is unveiled once a year on August 16. The hall itself may be visited at any time and admission is free.
Kichijozan Fukoji Temple (Urasa Bishamondo)
Buddhist Image Dainichi Nyorai Statue (Traditionally Attributed to Unkei) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
新潟県南魚沼市浦佐2495番地甲
Visiting Status Reservation required (9:30–16:30; admission fee)
SolemnityDignityMystery
At the center of Fukoji's Bekkoden treasure hall stands a Dainichi Nyorai statue traditionally attributed by the temple to Unkei. Around it are statues of the Four Heavenly Kings—Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten—forming a three-dimensional mandala. The guardians wear armor and carry weapons, with distinctive helmet ornaments. Urasa Bishamondo preserves a tradition of devotion stretching back about 1,200 years, and the treasure hall allows visitors to view major Buddhist images at close range. Viewing of the inner sanctuary and treasure hall requires advance reservation; reception is 9:30–16:30 and admission is 300 yen.
Kobiesan Rengebuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Statues (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
新潟県佐渡市小比叡182
Visiting Status Viewable from the temple grounds (free)
PowerDignityTense Presence
A pair of wooden Kongo Rikishi statues, Agyo and Ungyo, stands on either side of Rengebuji's Nio Gate. Both are carved from zelkova. The Agyo figure uses an older technique in which the head and torso are carved from a single block and split from the back, while the Ungyo figure is made from two front-and-back sections joined together, a more typical Kamakura-period method. Their restrained, somewhat formalized expression suggests a date in the first half of the 14th century. They are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Niigata Prefecture and are associated with a period of expansion at Rengebuji. Visitors can worship the pair through the gate from the temple grounds, which are free to enter.