Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Unganji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Sho Kannon Bosatsu (Cave Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県韮崎市中央町11-2
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–17:00)
MysteryDepthStillness
This stone image of Sho Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in a cave cut into the middle of the Shichiri-iwa cliff at Unganji Temple. Known as the “Cave Kannon” or “Ana Kannon,” tradition says that Kukai placed the Kannon stone image in the cave and local residents later built a hall for it. The cave also contains an image of Kobo Daishi, a thousand Jizo figures, and many other stone Buddhist images. The thousand figures are said to have been installed beginning in 1667 and consecrated the following year. The rock cave itself forms a distinctive sacred space, and it can normally be visited from 8:00 to 17:00.
Daifukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県中央市大鳥居1621
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (viewing hours 9:00–17:00)
DignityDepthSolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined at the center of Daifukuji Temple’s cultural property repository. At about 280 cm tall, it is one of the largest Buddhist statues in Yamanashi Prefecture, with a notably large head and face set against a relatively thin body. The front section of the main body was carved from a single piece of wood extending from the head through the torso, and the image is thought to date to the first half of the 11th century in the late Heian period. Conservation work beginning in 2019 took two years and four months. After the restoration, the statue was left with an unpainted wood surface. It is a Yamanashi Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, and advance reservations are required to view the Buddhist images.
Fukkouonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kichijoten and Two Devas Category Tenbu (Deva)
山梨県笛吹市御坂町大野寺2027
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–17:00)
NobilityRefinementSolemnity
This group of wooden images is kept in the repository at Fukkouonji Temple. A seated Kichijoten forms the central figure, flanked by standing Jikokuten and Tamonten, creating an unusual triad. An ink inscription inside the Kichijoten shows that the images were made in 1231 by Renkei, a Buddhist sculptor of the Kei school. Tradition holds that the local Saegusa clan commissioned the group while praying for the restoration of its power. The triad is an Important Cultural Property of Japan that preserves the characteristics of early Kamakura-period Buddhist sculpture. Advance contact is required to view the actual images, with visits handled during the 9:00–17:00 viewing period.
Kochozenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Muso Kokushi Category Other
山梨県南アルプス市鮎沢505
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (temple viewing hours 9:00–17:00)
NobilityTense PresenceDepth
This wooden seated portrait of Muso Kokushi is preserved at Kochozenji Temple. An ink inscription inside the image shows that it was made in 1357, the seventh memorial year of Muso Soseki, by the Nara master Buddhist sculptor Gyosei and others. The 82.5 cm figure is made from hinoki cypress using joined-block construction, with crystal eyes and coloring over a black-lacquer ground. Its slender face and sloping shoulders capture the teacher’s distinctive appearance, while the calm expression retains the austere gaze of a Zen monk. An Important Cultural Property of Japan with a clearly documented date and makers, the statue requires an advance reservation for viewing.
Kashiozan Daizenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Yakushi Nyorai and Two Attendants Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県甲州市勝沼町勝沼3559
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled once every five years)
PowerSolemnityMystery
Enshrined inside a shrine cabinet in Daizenji Temple’s Main Hall, this wooden triad consists of Yakushi Nyorai flanked by Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu. All three were made from cherry wood using single-block construction in the early Heian period. The central Yakushi has a relatively large head and powerful arms drawn close to the body, while the two attendants have well-balanced figures and calm faces. Designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, the images are normally kept hidden and can be worshipped during an unveiling held once every five years.
Tenmokusan Seiunji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Portrait of Fuo Kokushi Category Other
山梨県甲州市大和町木賊122
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Treasure Museum 9:00–15:00)
NobilityRefinementStillness
Preserved in the Treasure Museum of Seiunji Temple, this wooden seated portrait represents Zhongfeng Mingben, the Yuan-dynasty Zen master honored in Japan as Fuo Kokushi and teacher of Seiunji’s founder, Gakai Honjo, in China. An inscription inside the statue records that it was made in 1353 by Inko and Injun, Buddhist sculptors of the In school. Its narrowed eyes and gently closed mouth create a calm expression, while the deeply carved drapery gives the figure strength. An Important Cultural Property of Japan and a representative portrait sculpture of the Nanbokucho period, it can be viewed by advance reservation.
Kai Zenkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Gilt-bronze Standing Amida Nyorai and Two Attendants (Zenkoji Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県甲府市善光寺3-36-1
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled once every seven years / next unveiling in 2027; check official details)
SolemnityDignityMystery
Enshrined as the principal image of Kai Zenkoji Temple inside a shrine cabinet in the Kondo Hall, this gilt-bronze triad depicts Amida Nyorai flanked by Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu in the distinctive Zenkoji-style one-halo triad form. An inscription on the left attendant dates the group to 1195. Standing over 1.4 meters tall, it is a life-size gilt-bronze image and is regarded as the oldest Zenkoji Nyorai image with a confirmed date of production. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is normally kept hidden and unveiled once every seven years by traditional counting. The next unveiling is scheduled for 2027.
Enrakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden En no Gyoja and Two Demon Attendants Category Other
山梨県甲府市右左口町4104
Visiting Status Advance contact required (confirm viewing with the temple before visiting)
PowerDepthMystery
Enshrined in the Main Hall of Enrakuji Temple, these three wooden figures depict En no Gyoja (En no Ozunu), regarded as the founder of Shugendo, together with the demon attendants Zenki and Goki. The En no Gyoja figure measures 83.0 cm high, while the two attendants measure 73.1 cm and 66.1 cm. Made using single-block construction and originally polychromed, the group is dated to the late Heian period and is introduced as Japan’s oldest surviving image of En no Gyoja. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture, the figures were once enshrined in a hall at the second station of Mount Fuji and preserve a deep connection with Fuji worship. Advance contact is required for viewing.
Hogaiin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県南巨摩郡身延町瀬戸135
Visiting Status Secret image (unveiled once a year / Kannon Festival is usually held on March 18; confirm the unveiling date)
GentlenessMysteryStillness
Enshrined as the secret principal image of Hogaiin Temple, this wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu is made using joined-block construction and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture. Temple tradition attributes the image to Gyoki, and it has long been venerated for prayers for children. Hogaiin is said to have been founded by Lake Motosu in 1362 and moved to its present site in 1597. The principal image is normally hidden and unveiled once a year. The temple holds its Kannon Festival around March 18 each year, so visitors should confirm the actual unveiling date in advance.
Ninshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Prince Shotoku (Koyo Image) Category Other
山梨県甲府市小瀬町406
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (opened during the daytime on April 11 each year / confirm before visiting)
GentlenessNobilityRefinement
This wooden standing image of Prince Shotoku is the principal image of Ninshoji Temple. It depicts the 16-year-old prince praying for the recovery of his father, Emperor Yomei, in the form known as a Koyo image. About 115 cm tall, it is a Kamakura-period work made from hinoki cypress using joined-block construction with crystal eyes. The youthful figure wears his hair in mizura side knots and a Buddhist robe over formal garments. Temple tradition says it was venerated for generations by the Takeda family. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is normally closed to the public and is opened during the daytime on April 11 each year.
Myooji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県南巨摩郡富士川町舂米2
Visiting Status Advance reservation required
DignityDepthRefinement
This wooden standing Yakushi Nyorai is preserved at Myooji Temple. The 43.3 cm image is made using single-block construction and was originally polychromed, with a full, weighty body characteristic of early single-block sculpture. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Fujikawa Town describes it as a cypress single-block carving showing features of the early Fujiwara period. Myooji is traditionally said to have been founded in 770 and remains a temple of prayer. Advance reservation is required to view the cultural property.
Eigenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県中央市下河東880
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled at the Hatsuuma Festival on the first Sunday of March each year)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
This wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu is housed in the Kannon Hall of Eigenji Temple. The 97.0 cm figure is made from hinoki cypress using joined-block construction and finished with lacquer and gold leaf. Its slightly twisted waist gives the body a full yet taut presence, while the face has a quiet and gentle dignity. It is thought to have been made around the 10th century, and may originally have been created as an attendant rather than an independent image. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is affectionately known locally as “O-Kannon-san.” Normally closed to the public, it is unveiled each year at the Hatsuuma Festival on the first Sunday of March.
Kanseiin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県中央市下三條88
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled once a year in October)
GentlenessDignitySolemnity
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is kept in a special repository inside the Main Hall of Kanseiin Temple. The 84.7 cm polychromed figure is made using single-block construction. Its right hand forms the fearlessness mudra, while the left holds a medicine jar as the figure sits in the lotus posture. The full, gentle face and imposing body are characteristic of a work thought to date from the Heian period. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is normally closed to the public and can be worshipped only during its annual unveiling in October.
Fumonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県山梨市牧丘町西保下3631
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled every April 13)
DignityDepthStillness
This wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Fumonji Temple. The 78.8 cm figure is made from cherry wood using single-block construction, with an old-style hollow cut into the back of the torso. It holds a medicine jar in the left hand and forms the fearlessness mudra with the right, preserving the characteristics of Heian-period single-block sculpture. Temple tradition attributes the image to Gyoki in the Tenpyo era, while its actual date is considered to be the Heian period. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture, it is normally closed to the public and unveiled every April 13.
Eitaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県甲府市古関町1555
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled each year on April 8 for the Hana Matsuri)
NobilityRefinementMystery
This wooden standing Shaka Nyorai is enshrined in the Shakado Hall of Eitaiji Temple. The 97 cm figure is a polychromed image made using joined-block construction, with crystal eyes and the distinctive Seiryoji style characterized by rope-like curls, a robe covering both shoulders, and concentric folds across the chest. It is thought to date from the middle to late Kamakura period and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture. Normally kept hidden, it is unveiled for one day each year on April 8 during the Hana Matsuri, when many worshippers visit.
Choanji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県都留市上谷3-6-30
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled every May 20)
GentlenessNobilityDepth
The Sho Kannon Bosatsu enshrined in Choanji Temple’s Kannon Hall is traditionally regarded as the protective image of Takeda Shingen. It is said that Itagaki Nobukata, who cared for Shingen in his childhood, used the image for prayers for the young lord’s learning and health. The image has continued to be protected at Choanji, a temple founded by Torii Mototada after the fall of the Takeda clan. It is unveiled once a year, every May 20, when visitors can worship it. Its clearly established annual unveiling preserves a close link to the faith of the Takeda family.
Enkoin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Tohachi Bishamonten and Shogun Jizo Seated Figures Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県甲府市岩窪町500
Visiting Status Normally not open to the public (unveiled in conjunction with the Shingen-ko Festival each April)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Preserved at Enkoin Temple, this pair consists of wooden seated figures of Tohachi Bishamonten and Shogun Jizo. Tohachi Bishamonten has three faces and ten arms and rides a lion, while Shogun Jizo appears in armor riding a white horse. Although both are small figures only about 11–12 cm high, they display highly detailed and powerful workmanship using crystal eyes and cut-gold decoration. The pair is an unusually early example of a rare combined form and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture. Traditionally regarded as protective images enshrined by Takeda Shingen for battle at Tsutsujigasaki Residence, they are unveiled in conjunction with the Shingen-ko Festival each April.
Hojuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Nyorai and Four Paramita Bodhisattvas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山梨県南アルプス市山寺950
Visiting Status Confirm in advance (normally closed to the public; in recent years opened once in autumn)
SolemnityNobilityDepth
Houshuji Temple preserves a group of five wooden seated figures: Dainichi Nyorai and the Four Paramita Bodhisattvas. Dainichi Nyorai forms the Wisdom Fist mudra and is surrounded by the Vajra, Jewel, Dharma, and Karma Paramita Bodhisattvas, whose distinctive hand gestures are known as samaya mudras. The central Dainichi measures 100.4 cm, is made from hinoki cypress using joined-block construction, and is dated to approximately 1090–1190 in the Heian period. This rare esoteric Buddhist ensemble is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is normally closed to the public, but one-day autumn viewings have been held since 2024; the latest schedule should be confirmed in advance with the Minami-Alps City Cultural Properties Division or another official source.
Fukkouonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Ko-o Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山梨県笛吹市御坂町大野寺2027
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–17:00)
DignityDepthStillness
This wooden standing Ko-o Kannon Bosatsu is preserved at Fukkouonji Temple. The 139.4 cm figure is made from zelkova wood using single-block construction and is considered to have served as the principal image around the temple’s early period, when it was known as Onoji. Temple tradition attributes the image to the Nara-period monk Gyoki, but the sculptor is not known with certainty. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamanashi Prefecture, it is one of the temple’s notable early Buddhist images alongside the Kichijoten and Two Devas. Viewing of the cultural properties is available by advance reservation during the 9:00–17:00 visiting hours.
Hokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi Figures Category Tenbu (Deva)
山梨県甲州市塩山藤木2438
Visiting Status Regular worship available at the Nio Gate (viewing hours 9:00–17:00)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Two wooden standing Kongo Rikishi figures are enshrined in the Nio Gate of Hokoji Temple. Both the Agyo and Ungyo figures are made from hinoki cypress using joined-block construction and stand about 263–264 cm high. Their lion-like noses, broad lower jaws, powerful faces, and heavily muscled upper bodies are distinctive, while the Ungyo figure in particular leans dramatically to create a strong sense of movement. Designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, they are dated to the late 12th century, at the beginning of the Kamakura period. They are considered works of a sculptor associated with the Kei school, while temple tradition attributes them to Seicho. They can be worshipped during regular temple viewing hours.