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Saizenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai and Two Standing Attendants Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県松本市和田1317
Visiting Status Open to the public twice a year (around early January and the spring equinox period in March)
SolemnityPowerDepth
Enshrined in the Main Hall of Saizenji Temple, this wooden Amida Nyorai with two attendant bodhisattvas is designated an Important Cultural Property of Matsumoto City. The group was originally worshipped at Nenraiji Temple in the Shimizu district of the Matsumoto castle town and was moved to Saizenji when Nenraiji was abolished during the early Meiji anti-Buddhist movement. The central Amida is 176 cm high, carved from hinoki cypress in joined-block construction and finished with lacquer and gold leaf. Its rounded face, full cheeks and relaxed meditation gesture create a dignified presence. The standing Kannon reaches 205 cm and Seishi 210 cm, making this an impressively large triad. It is currently shown to the public twice a year, around early January and the spring equinox period in March.
Saizenji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Amida Nyorai and Two Standing Attendants Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県松本市和田1317
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled annually on a holiday in early January)
MysteryRefinementDepth
Enshrined in a shrine on the right-side altar of Saizenji Temple's Main Hall, this bronze Amida Nyorai with two standing attendants is designated a Treasure of Nagano Prefecture. It is a Zenkoji-style triad with Amida at the center and Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu at his sides, all conceived as a single triad. The central figure is 49.2 cm high and each attendant measures 35.4 cm. Slender eyes, a small nose and lightly carved lips give the figures a refined expression, and their style points to the early 14th century, near the end of the Kamakura period. The triad was originally at Anyōji, the former temple attached to Chikuma Shrine, later passed to Nenraiji, and was moved to Saizenji during the early Meiji anti-Buddhist movement. Normally kept hidden, it is now unveiled once a year on a holiday in early January.
Tenyozan Josenji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Pensive Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
長野県松本市波田6011
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–17:00 / no fixed admission fee)
GentlenessMysteryDepth
Josenji Temple preserves this bronze pensive Bodhisattva, designated a Treasure of Nagano Prefecture. The image originally belonged to Nyakutakuji Temple, which was abolished during the early Meiji anti-Buddhist movement, and was transferred to Josenji. Only 22 cm high overall, the small bronze figure rests its right hand lightly against its cheek, bends the right leg onto the seat, and lowers the left leg in the classic pensive half-lotus pose. Matsumoto City dates it to around the end of the Nara period and highlights it as one of the few ancient bronze Buddhist images in Nagano Prefecture dating to the Nara period or earlier. Current temple information lists visiting hours of 8:00 to 17:00 with no fixed admission fee.
Shojuzan Shogakuin Chuonji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Amida Nyorai (Kuro Honzon) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
長野県飯山市大字飯山奈良沢2029
Visiting Status Secret image (open only on August 15 each year)
DignityMysteryDepth
Enshrined in Gokokuden Hall at Chuonji Temple, this wooden standing Amida Nyorai is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Iiyama City. Known as the Kuro Honzon (“Black Principal Image”) because of its dark surface, the statue is made of katsura wood in joined-block construction with crystal-inlaid eyes. Its direct forward gaze and unusual depiction of visible teeth are especially distinctive; Iiyama City describes it as the only example of its kind in the city. Deep flowing robe folds and a later dark coating add to its solemn appearance. Temple tradition holds that the Honda family received the image from Tokugawa Ieyasu. Normally kept hidden, it is opened to the public only once a year, on August 15.
Kinpozan Gofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Daiitoku Myo-o (Yamantaka) Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
長野県松本市内田2573
Visiting Status Advance inquiry required (kept in the Okuden repository; contact the temple about viewing)
PowerMysteryDepth
Gofukuji Temple preserves this wooden Daiitoku Myoo, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Dating to the late Heian period, it is made of hinoki cypress in joined-block construction. The figure has six faces, six arms, and six legs: three wrathful faces with three eyes each, plus three small Buddha faces above the head. Its first pair of hands is joined in prayer, while the second and third pairs hold ritual weapons. One left leg is bent and the other five legs hang down as the deity sits astride a water buffalo. Although wrathful in form, the gently sloping shoulders and calm gaze retain the softer character of late-Heian sculpture. An inscription inside records a repair in 1421. The image is now housed in the Okuden cultural-property repository together with the temple’s principal Eleven-Faced Kannon and many other historic Buddhist statues. Visitors should contact Gofukuji in advance about viewing.
Makomanai Takino Cemetery
Buddhist Image Atama Daibutsu (Stone Great Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
北海道札幌市南区滝野2番地
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Apr–Oct 9:00–16:00 / Nov–Mar 10:00–15:00 / admission ¥1,000; elementary school children and younger free / may close on designated dates, maintenance days, or due to weather)
SolemnityMysteryStillness
Hill of the Buddha is a worship space designed by architect Tadao Ando around the 13.5 m, 1,500-ton stone Great Buddha that had already stood as a symbol of Makomanai Takino Cemetery. Opened to the public in 2016, its defining landscape covers the statue with a hill so that only the head is visible from outside. Visitors pass a water garden and an approximately 40 m tunnel before looking up at the full Buddha beneath a large opening to the sky. It is open to general worship during the stated hours.
Shari-Zan Butsuganji The Great Nirvana Temple
Buddhist Image Sapporo Nirvana Buddha (Reclining Shaka Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
北海道札幌市南区石山東6丁目1-24
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (April through October 15, 9:00–17:00 / October 16 through March, 9:00–16:00)
SolemnityPeacefulnessGentleness
Enshrined at Shari-zan Butsuganji’s Great Nirvana Temple, the Sapporo Nirvana Buddha is a 45 m-long reclining Buddha. The temple describes it as one of Japan’s largest Nirvana Buddha statues and explains that it represents Shakyamuni after completing his teaching and entering nirvana. It forms part of a Pure Land garden created by internationally active garden designer Yasuo Kitayama, and the immense reclining figure can be worshipped from the Prayer Hall. General visitors may worship during the seasonal opening hours and may also view the garden.
Koyasan Shingon-shu Konpira Mitsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Sapporo Daibutsu (Wooden Monju Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道札幌市西区宮の沢1条5丁目23-21
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / last admission 15:30 / open year-round / free admission)
GentlenessNobilityRefinement
Enshrined in the Monju Hall at Konpira Mitsuji Temple, this large wooden Monju Bosatsu is the principal image of the third temple in the Hokkaido Thirteen Buddhas pilgrimage. It was created over 16 years from the completion of the prototype in 1988, finished by the Buddhist sculptors Yuhi and Hayashi, and consecrated in 2003. Depicted as Monju Bosatsu of Mount Wutai, it holds the sword of wisdom in the right hand and a blue lotus bearing a sutra scroll in the left. The temple introduces it as one of Japan’s largest wooden statues of Monju Bosatsu. Monju Hall is open to general worship year-round.
Usu Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Shaka Nyorai (Seiryoji style) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
北海道伊達市有珠町124
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Zenkoji Treasure Museum 9:00–17:00)
RefinementNobilityStillness
This 162.1 cm wooden standing Shaka Nyorai is housed in the treasure museum of Usu Zenkoji Temple. Made of joined cypress wood, it is regarded as a Seiryoji-style copy of the National Treasure standing Shaka Nyorai at Seiryoji Temple in Kyoto and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido. The temple describes it as an early Kamakura-period work, while Japan’s Cultural Heritage Online notes that its production date and transmission are not securely established. The museum is open by advance reservation from 9:00 to 17:00.
Tojuin Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道様似郡様似町潮見台11-4
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00 / ask at the temple residence; viewing may be unavailable during Buddhist services or other circumstances)
StillnessNobilityRefinement
Enshrined in the Main Hall of Tojuin, one of the Three Government Temples of Ezo established by the Edo shogunate in 1806, this wooden Sho Kannon Bosatsu is estimated to date from the Kamakura period and is designated a Cultural Property of Samani Town. Hokkaido Hidaka Tourism and the Mt. Apoi Geopark introduce it as one of the temple’s valuable Buddhist images. It remains an object of worship today. Visitors may request free viewing at the temple residence between 9:00 and 17:00, although viewing may be unavailable during Buddhist services or other circumstances.
Usu Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai (Hidden Principal Image) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
北海道伊達市有珠町124
Visiting Status Secret principal image (unveiled during the autumn equinox services, Sep 22–24; confirm service times on the official site)
SolemnityDepthStillness
The hidden principal image of Usu Zenkoji is an Amida Nyorai statue created by the monk Teiden, head priest of Hongakuji Temple in Tsugaru, and donated in 1716. The temple’s historical account identifies it as the present principal image, normally kept hidden. The autumn equinox Segaki services are described as the only annual unveiling, and general visitors may participate in the services held from September 22 to 24. The statue remains at the center of worship at this temple, one of the Three Government Temples of Ezo.
Usu Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu by Enku Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道伊達市有珠町124
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Treasure Museum 9:00–17:00 / exhibits rotate)
PowerGentlenessDepth
This Sho Kannon Bosatsu was carved by the Edo-period monk Enku during his visit to Hokkaido in 1666 and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido. It measures 56.7 cm including the base. Date City highlights the vigorous adze-cut carving of the base together with the elongated eyes and gently upturned mouth that express Enku’s distinctive style. The statue can be viewed at the Usu Zenkoji Treasure Museum by advance reservation, although exhibits rotate for conservation.
Shomyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道函館市船見町18-14
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00)
GentlenessPeacefulnessStillness
This Sho Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the Kannon Hall of Shomyoji, a historic temple in Hakodate. The temple describes it as a fine work from the Muromachi period and records that it was once kept and worshipped at the home of northern-fisheries entrepreneur Sanemichi Yagi. When his house escaped the Great Hakodate Fire of 1934, Yagi attributed this to the Kannon’s protection and left instructions for a Kannon Hall to be rebuilt; the present hall was completed in 1937. A Kannon service is still held on the 18th of every month, and the statue can be worshipped during regular viewing hours.
Kongoji Temple
Buddhist Image Koyasu Jizo Bosatsu (Mokujiki Statue) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道檜山郡江差町字中歌町168
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (12:00–17:00 / irregular closing days / admission ¥300)
WarmthDepthStillness
Enshrined in the Main Hall of Kongoji Temple in Esashi, this Koyasu Jizo Bosatsu was carved by the itinerant ascetic sculptor Mokujiki Gyodo in 1779 and is designated a Cultural Property of Esashi Town. The Hokkaido Board of Education describes it as an image preserved as an object of popular devotion for more than two centuries. Esashi Town tourism information introduces it as one of the Mokujiki statues created during his stay in the area, and traditions of prayer for children and safe childbirth continue today. The Main Hall can be viewed for a fee from 12:00 to 17:00.
Kongoji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道檜山郡江差町字中歌町168
Visiting Status Normally not on view (displayed only on July 17 / viewing hours 12:00–17:00 / admission ¥300)
GentlenessMysteryStillness
This Sho Kannon Bosatsu is preserved in the Main Hall of Kongoji Temple in Esashi. According to the temple tradition recorded by Esashi Town, the monk Jakuyo Ryozui of Raigoji Temple in Chikugo traveled to Ezo, obtained a piece of driftwood said to emit a lapis-blue light at night, and carved it into a Kannon image in Esashi. Devotion to the Kannon drew followers who are said to have formed the basis of Kongoji’s parish community. The statue is normally not on view; Esashi Town tourism information states that it is displayed only on July 17 each year.
Hakuhosan Kotokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Great Kannon Statue Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道岩見沢市上志文町468
Visiting Status Viewable from the temple grounds (confirm visiting hours in advance)
GentlenessSolemnityStillness
Standing in the grounds of Kotokuji Temple in Kamishibun-cho, Iwamizawa, this Great Kannon statue is approximately 12 meters tall. Hokkaido’s official tourism site introduces it as a symbol of the temple, appearing beyond a tree-lined approach, and visitors can worship the gently featured Kannon at close range. Kotokuji was founded in 1897 and is also Temple No. 81 of the Hokkaido 88 Sacred Sites pilgrimage. The Main Hall enshrines an approximately 3-meter Fudo Myoo principal image that was consecrated in 2007. The Great Kannon can be worshipped from the grounds, but visitors should confirm access hours with the temple in advance.
Former Sasanami Family Residence
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu by Enku Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道檜山郡上ノ国町字上ノ国236
Visiting Status Seasonal public display (Apr 11–Nov 8, 2026, 10:00–16:00 / closed on designated days)
GentlenessNobilityDepth
This standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu was carved by Enku, who traveled to Hokkaido in 1666, and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido. At 146.6 cm tall, it is a major work; Kaminokuni Town introduces it as Hokkaido’s only surviving standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu by Enku and one of his largest standing images in the region. Formerly worshipped at Kaminokuni Kannon Hall, it ceased public display there in 2021 and is now exhibited at the Former Sasanami Family Residence. In 2026, it can be viewed from April 11 through November 8, 10:00–16:00.
Former Sasanami Family Residence
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai by Enku Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
北海道檜山郡上ノ国町字上ノ国236
Visiting Status Seasonal public display (Apr 11–Nov 8, 2026, 10:00–16:00 / closed on designated days)
GentlenessMysteryDepth
This Amida Nyorai by Enku is owned and publicly displayed by Kaminokuni Town and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of the town. It measures 39.5 cm in overall height. Kaminokuni introduces it as the only surviving Amida Nyorai by Enku in Hokkaido. Tradition holds that in the early Meiji period the statue was found drifting at sea while people were returning by small boat from Kudo to Okushiri Island, after which it was carefully preserved. It is now exhibited at the Former Sasanami Family Residence, open in 2026 from April 11 through November 8, 10:00–16:00.
Shomyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
北海道函館市船見町18-14
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (Treasure Room / regular temple viewing hours 9:00–16:00)
NobilityRefinementMystery
This approximately 83 cm wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu at Shomyoji Temple is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hakodate City. Carved from a single block of wood, it is considered a work of the mid-Heian period on stylistic grounds. After the Great Hakodate Fire of 1907, the temple’s 18th head priest, Joon, is said to have acquired it from Honshu with funds donated by parishioners, and connections with the culture of the Northern Fujiwara have been noted. Formerly a hidden image in the inner sanctuary of the Kannon Hall, the temple’s official precinct guide states that it can now be worshipped in the Treasure Room. Visitors should confirm current Treasure Room access before visiting.
Soenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Five Hundred Rakan Statues Category Other
北海道小樽市潮見台1丁目19番10号
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (in 2026, viewing is available on the 1st and 15th of each month from May through October, 9:00–16:00 / closed in winter)
DepthWarmthStillness
The Wooden Five Hundred Rakan Statues line three walls of the Main Hall at Soenji Temple and are designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido. The 500 figures were not made at one time; they form an ensemble donated over different periods by different makers. The oldest date to around the end of the Muromachi period, while later examples include works from the mid-Edo period (Tenmei era) and statues donated in the early Meiji period. Soenji was founded in Matsumae in 1630 as a family temple of the Matsumae lords and moved to Otaru in 1909, bringing the rakan statues together with its principal Shaka Nyorai image. Their varied expressions make the group an important record of Hokkaido Buddhist culture and Edo-period Buddhist sculpture. In 2026, viewing begins in May because of snow and is available on the 1st and 15th of each month through October.