Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Kerakusan Shomyoin Jonenji Temple
Buddhist Image Joroku-scale Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
新潟県村上市寺町3-13
Visiting Status Advance permission required for viewing inside the main hall
SolemnityDignityPeacefulness
Jonenji Temple enshrines an exceptionally large joroku-scale wooden seated Amida Nyorai in its main hall. The Murakami Tourism Association describes the principal image as remarkable for a size rarely seen in the region. The main hall, rebuilt in 1818, was specifically designed around this monumental Amida, with a tall, open central sanctuary, and is itself designated a Important Cultural Property. The combination of the imposing image and the enormous white-plastered storehouse-style hall gives the site a distinctive spatial presence. The temple is also known to have been visited by the haiku poet Matsuo Basho and his companion Sora. The official Jodo Shu temple directory lists the temple as open for worship, while Niigata Prefecture asks visitors to obtain the priest's permission before entering or photographing the main hall. Visitors coming specifically to see the Amida should therefore contact the temple in advance.
Nikkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai and Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Other
新潟県糸魚川市日光寺377
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended for viewing the cultural-property statues
NobilityStillnessDepth
Nikkoji Temple in Itoigawa preserves two notable wooden Buddhist images from the Heian period: a seated Amida Nyorai and a standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu. The Amida, 84 cm tall and carved from a single block of zelkova, wears an impressive jeweled crown and is attributed to the early Heian period. The Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu is about 1.66 m tall, also carved from a single block of zelkova, and is distinguished by its restrained, elongated form. Both are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Niigata Prefecture, and the Itoigawa Tourism Association presents the statues themselves as principal cultural attractions of the temple. Nikkoji is traditionally said to have been founded in 748 and, in addition to its principal image of Dainichi Nyorai, preserves other historic images including a Seishi Bosatsu associated with the Kamakura period. Earlier temple information instructs visitors wishing to see the cultural-property statues to contact the temple in advance; visitors coming specifically for the images should still confirm access before visiting.
Shohozan Kankokuji Temple (Sugatani Fudoson)
Buddhist Image Fudo Myo-o (Head-only Principal Image) Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
新潟県新発田市菅谷860
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled for about two weeks around Golden Week in Years of the Rabbit and Rooster) / temple open 9:00–16:00
PowerMysteryDignity
The principal image of Kankokuji, widely known as Sugatani Fudoson, is an exceptionally unusual Fudo Myoo enshrined only in the form of its head. Temple tradition says that Gonen Shonin, while training on Mount Hiei, fled pressure from the Taira clan and was told by the Fudo he revered to take the image with him. Because the statue was too large to carry, he placed only its head in his pilgrim's pack and brought it to Echigo. The Niigata Prefectural Tourism Association introduces Sugatani Fudoson as one of Japan's three renowned Fudo sanctuaries and as a sacred site linked to a tradition said to have been transmitted through three countries. It has long been revered for household safety, fulfillment of wishes and especially ailments of the eyes. The head of the principal image is normally kept secret and is unveiled for about two weeks around Golden Week in Years of the Rabbit and Rooster. The temple itself is normally open for worship from 9:00 to 16:00.
Kokujoji Temple, Shingon-shu Buzan-ha
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県燕市国上1407
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:30–16:30 / winter closure from Feb to around the spring equinox in Mar)
NobilityRefinementStillness
This wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image of Kokujoji's Hojo Lecture Hall, also described as the guest hall, and is enshrined in a zushi on the central altar. The statue is 108.6 cm high, is made of hinoki cypress in joined-block construction, and has carved eyes. Despite some losses and repairs, most of the original figure survives. Its style indicates a work of the mid-13th century by a sculptor in the Kyoto Buddhist-sculpture tradition, and its refined workmanship led to designation as a Tangible Cultural Property of Niigata Prefecture. Kokujoji is regarded as the oldest temple in Echigo, and the opportunity to view this historic Kannon during regular opening hours adds considerably to its appeal. The temple lists viewing hours of 8:30–16:30, with a winter closure from February until around the spring equinox in March.
Senkoji Temple, Soto Zen
Buddhist Image Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
新潟県新発田市五十公野5021
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled once a year on February 17)
GentlenessSolemnityWarmth
Senkoji is the 23rd temple of the Kanbara Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage, and its principal image is a Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu. Shibata City states that the image is unveiled once a year on February 17. City materials relate that the temple was founded by Gyoki in the Tenpyo era and was originally called Kannonji. Although the principal image is not normally displayed, its fixed annual unveiling makes this secret image relatively easy to plan a visit around. The temple remains a distinctive local Kannon sanctuary preserving the living tradition of the Kanbara pilgrimage.
Ryuo-zan Chuzenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県上田市前山1721
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / the front of Yakushido Hall may be closed in strong winds or similar conditions)
PeacefulnessRefinementStillness
The principal image of Chuzenji Temple’s Yakushido Hall is a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The statue is 97.8 cm high. Dating from the late Heian to early Kamakura period, it is characterized by a calm Jocho-style foundation combined with emerging elements of Kamakura-period sculpture; ink-drawn sketches of yabusame horseback archery remain on the upper section of its pedestal. Yakushido Hall itself is also an Important Cultural Property and is known as one of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in central Japan. Regular viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:00; the front of the hall is normally opened for worship, though it may be closed in strong winds or similar conditions.
Richizan Chofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Bosatsu (Omodori Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県上田市下之郷541
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–16:00 / admission ¥300)
GentlenessNobilityMystery
Enshrined as the principal image of Chofukuji Temple’s Shinshu Yumedono, this bronze standing Bodhisattva is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The 36.7 cm gilt-bronze image has a slightly large head, a slender, well-proportioned body, flowing contours, and a gentle archaic smile. Ueda City dates it to the late 7th-century Hakuho period, while the temple notes that, although it retains Hakuho-period features, its style suggests the Tenpyo period (mid-Nara period). Originally handed down by an old family in Obuse, it was transferred to Chofukuji in 1938. Shinshu Yumedono is an octagonal hall modeled at half scale on Horyuji Temple’s Yumedono. Viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:00 for ¥300 and must be reserved by phone in advance.
Jorakuji Temple, Head Temple of Kitamuki Kannon
Buddhist Image Myokansacchi Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県上田市別所温泉2347
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / admission ¥100)
NobilitySolemnityStillness
The principal image of the Main Hall at Jorakuji, the head temple of Kitamuki Kannon, is Myokansacchi Amida Nyorai, regarded as one of the Five Wisdom Tathagatas. Unusually for an Amida Nyorai, the image wears a jeweled crown, and the temple introduces it as a rare form of Amida found in Japan. Jorakuji was established in 825, when Kitamuki Kannon Hall was founded, as one of the three temples known as the Sanrakuji, and it later flourished as a center of Tendai Buddhist learning during the Kamakura period. The Main Hall has a thatched roof, and its coffered ceiling preserves colors from the time of its construction. The temple is open year-round from 9:00 to 16:00, and the principal image can be worshipped with a ¥100 admission fee.
Zenkoji Sesonin
Buddhist Image Bronze Reclining Shaka Nyorai (Nirvana Image) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県長野市元善町475
Visiting Status Special viewing (unveiled on public holidays, long weekends, and Buddhist observances / otherwise inquire in advance)
SolemnityDepthStillness
The principal image of Shakado Hall at Sesonin, a Zenkoji shukubo, is a bronze reclining Shaka Nyorai designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Dating from the Kamakura period and measuring 1.66 m in length, it is introduced by Zenkoji as Japan’s only life-size bronze image of Shakyamuni in nirvana. During the Sengoku period it traveled around Japan together with Zenkoji’s principal image, the Gosankyo statues, and the sacred seal. At Sesonin, the Shakyamuni image is traditionally regarded as protecting this life, while Zenkoji’s Amida Nyorai protects the next. The curtain is opened for special viewing on public holidays, long weekends, and Buddhist observances; otherwise, visitors should inquire with Sesonin in advance.
Chishikiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県千曲市上山田1197
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (special openings during annual festivals and other occasions)
DignitySolemnityMystery
The principal image of Chishikiji Temple’s Omido Hall is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Dating from the late Heian period, the statue is 306 cm high and carved from a single block of keyaki (zelkova) wood with an unpainted finish. Chikuma City describes it as the only Eleven-Faced Kannon in Shinshu carved from a single block of zelkova. Omido Hall itself is also an Important Cultural Property, dating to the late Muromachi period, and the more-than-three-meter Kannon stands within its thatched-roof interior. Regular viewing requires an advance reservation, with special openings held during annual festivals and other occasions.
Konpukuzan Kanshoin Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Pensive Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県北安曇郡松川村町屋1324
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (normally at least 20 days ahead / admission ¥500)
GentlenessNobilityMystery
Kanshoin Temple preserves a bronze pensive Bodhisattva designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Agency for Cultural Affairs database dates it to the Asuka period, while Matsukawa Village describes it as dating from around the 7th–8th century and introduces it as the oldest Buddhist image in Nagano Prefecture and one of the region’s rare gilt-bronze Buddhist statues. This small bronze image bears a gentle, compassionate smile and was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1982. Viewing is by advance application to the Matsukawa Village Board of Education, normally at least 20 days before the desired date. Since April 2026, admission is ¥500 per person.
Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Maedachi Honzon (Amida Triad Sharing One Halo) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県長野市大字長野元善町491-イ
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled Apr 4–Jun 19, 2027)
DignitySolemnityMystery
The Maedachi Honzon was made in the Kamakura period as a substitute for Zenkoji’s permanently hidden principal image, the Amida Triad Sharing One Halo, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The distinctive Zenkoji triad places Amida Nyorai in the center, Kannon Bosatsu to the viewer’s right, and Seishi Bosatsu to the left, all before a single shared halo. Normally kept in the temple treasury, the image is moved to the Main Hall only for the once-in-seven-years Gokaicho, when visitors can see it. The next unveiling runs for 77 days from April 4 to June 19, 2027, with the Amida image connected to the Eko-bashira pillar in front of the hall by the sacred “Zen no Tsuna” cord.
Ichijozan Daihoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県小県郡青木村当郷2052
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (separate fee / free unveiling at the Daihannya-e on Apr 21 each year)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
The principal image of Daihoji Temple’s Kannon Hall is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. About 171 cm high, it is carved from a single block of katsura wood with carved eyes and dates to around the middle Heian period. Its oval face, full cheeks, calm approachable expression, and shallow orderly robe folds are characteristic features. Daihoji introduces it as the oldest Buddhist image in the eastern Shinshu region to have survived at its original location. Regular viewing requires an advance reservation and a separate fee, while the image is unveiled free of charge during the annual Daihannya-e service on April 21.
Ryutozan Rengein Seisuiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県長野市松代町西条147
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (10:00–17:00 / admission ¥500; closed over the New Year holidays)
DignityNobilitySolemnity
The principal image of Seisuiji Temple is a wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The statue is 179 cm high, carved from a single block of katsura wood, and dates to the early Heian period, around the 9th century, roughly 1,100 years ago. It has eleven faces and forty-two arms; the figure is carved from a single block from head to feet and is characterized by a relatively small head, tall proportions, refined modeling, gentle robe folds, and a still yet dignified presence. The temple introduces it as the oldest surviving wooden Buddhist image in Shinshu and the oldest single-block wooden Buddhist statue in eastern Japan. Viewing requires an advance reservation and is available from 10:00 to 17:00 for an admission fee of ¥500.
Daitozan Ruriji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai with Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県下伊那郡高森町大島山812-3
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–16:00 / admission ¥500; viewing unavailable in rain)
PeacefulnessDepthSolemnity
The principal image of Ruriji Temple is a wooden Yakushi triad designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The central seated Yakushi Nyorai is 89.4 cm high, with the attendant Nikko Bodhisattva at 103 cm and Gakko Bodhisattva at 101.5 cm; all three are made of hinoki wood in joined-block construction. Dating to the late Heian period, the figures combine softly rounded, serene faces and ample bodily volume with the graceful Jocho style and an older sense of solemnity. Temple tradition holds that Ruriji was founded in 1112 after a vision of Yakushi Nyorai appearing among the trees. The triad is enshrined in Ruriko Hall and can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00 by advance reservation.
Amidazan Seisuiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県長野市若穂保科1949
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / admission ¥1,000)
GentlenessRefinementNobility
Enshrined in the Main Hall of Seisuiji Temple in Wakahohoshina as a maedachi image, this wooden standing Sho Kannon Bodhisattva is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Nagano City cultural-property materials date it to the 12th century and give its height as 169.1 cm; the figure is principally carved from hinoki wood in single-block construction with additional parts joined on. Its lively, light bodily movement and the graceful treatment of the face and lower garment are notable features. Seisuiji lost its former temple buildings and older images in a 1916 fire, and the group of ancient Buddhist statues preserved today was subsequently brought from Nara Prefecture; this image is one of that group. It can currently be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00, and the temple preserves several nationally designated Important Cultural Property Buddhist statues.
Tenkyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Enma Daio Statue Category Other
長野県長野市篠ノ井杵淵1000
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:30–17:00 / open daily; admission ¥200)
DignitySolemnityDepth
Enshrined in Enma Hall in front of Tenkyuji Temple’s Main Hall, this monumental statue of Enma Daio stands about 5 meters high. Nagano’s official tourism site describes its head as wooden and its body as plaster, while the Hachijuni Culture Foundation lists it as “Japan’s largest statue of Enma Daio.” Its wide-open eyes and stern expression create a powerful presence that resonates with the temple’s long history of memorializing those killed in the Battles of Kawanakajima. Enma Hall is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Tenkyuji is open daily from 8:30 to 17:00, with a general admission fee of ¥200 shared with the Kawanakajima Battle Memorial Museum.
Shiunzan Yoritomoin Junenji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai (Shusse Daibutsu) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県長野市西後町1568
Visiting Status Viewing available (temple grounds freely accessible; free admission)
PeacefulnessWarmthSolemnity
The Great Buddha Hall at Junenji Temple enshrines a large seated Amida Nyorai known locally as the “Shusse Daibutsu.” The Zenkoji-kai temple guide describes it as a traditional joroku-scale monumental image measuring about 5 meters from the pedestal to the top of the halo. Located roughly midway along the approach connecting Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple, it is easy to visit together with a Zenkoji pilgrimage. Temple tradition says Junenji was founded in the Kenkyu era with Minamoto no Yoritomo as its founder, and it remains an active local temple today. The temple grounds may be visited freely and there is no admission fee.
Besso Shogonzan Daikokuzoin Buppo Shoryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Fudo Myo-o Traditionally Attributed to Unkei Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
長野県諏訪市四賀4373
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / closed Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a holiday, plus other specified dates / admission ¥500)
DignityDepthSolemnity
Buppo Shoryuji Temple preserves this standing Fudo Myoo, designated a Treasure of Nagano Prefecture. The temple states that it is certainly a work of the Kei school from the early Kamakura period and that recent research has established that it was made in the workshop led by Unkei, while study continues as to whether Unkei himself carved the image. With its piercing gaze and taut, commanding form, it has long served as the principal image for prayers protecting Lake Suwa. The temple preserves more than 6,000 cultural objects, and its Treasure Hall displays Buddhist statues, ritual implements, historical documents, and other works including this image. Regular viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:00.
Motozenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Maedachi Honzon (Amida Triad Sharing One Halo) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県飯田市座光寺2638
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled in Ox and Sheep years / next unveiling in 2027)
DignityMysterySolemnity
At Motozenkoji Temple, the Maedachi Honzon is revealed during the temple’s once-in-seven-years Gokaicho. It takes the distinctive one-halo triad form, with Amida Nyorai in the center, Kannon Bodhisattva to the viewer’s right, and Seishi Bodhisattva to the left. During the unveiling, five-colored threads and a cord extend from the image’s hand to the sacred Kechien-bashira pillar. Temple tradition traces Motozenkoji to Honda Yoshimitsu, who carved and left at this site an Amida triad the same size as the principal image when that image was transferred north to present-day Nagano. The Gokaicho is held every seven years by traditional counting, in Ox and Sheep years; the next is in 2027. The temple itself is normally open from 9:00 to 17:00.