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Sano Art Museum
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
静岡県三島市中田町1-43
Visiting Status Permanent display (10:00–17:00 / last admission 16:30; closed Thursdays and during exhibition changes)
PeacefulnessRefinementNobility
The Sano Art Museum permanently displays a wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai in its collection gallery. Measuring 92.2 cm high, this 12th-century Heian-period sculpture is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and represents the Diamond Realm Dainichi with the Wisdom Fist mudra. Its half-closed, serene eyes and rounded, well-balanced body clearly show the Jocho style that spread from the capital during the Heian period. The elegant cypress sculpture has gently flowing drapery and restrained ornament. Originally preserved at Kawaidera Temple in Kawachinagano, Osaka, it is now one of the museum’s representative Buddhist sculptures and is kept on permanent display.
Ganjoujuin Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Jizo Bosatsu (Hojo Masako Jizo) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
静岡県伊豆の国市寺家83-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (10:00–16:00 / last admission 15:30; closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and on specified dates)
GentlenessRefinementDepth
A wooden seated Jizo Bosatsu is preserved in the Treasure Hall of Ganjoujuin Temple. Commonly known as the “Hojo Masako Jizo,” it measures 51.6 cm high, is fitted with crystal eyes, and is designated a Shizuoka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property from the early Kamakura period. A red inscription beneath the image dates to the Kanki era (1229–1232), and its facial treatment, slightly backward-leaning posture, and settled seated pose also support a date in that period. The temple identifies it as a Kei-school work by an unknown sculptor and preserves the tradition that Hojo Yasutoki may have donated it to Ganjoujuin around the seventh memorial anniversary of Hojo Masako. It can now be viewed in the Treasure Hall during regular temple opening hours.
Nakano Kannon Hall
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu and Three Other Images (with One Additional Wooden Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
静岡県静岡市葵区井川1120
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (principal image unveiled on January 6 each year; prefectural guidance also notes viewing by prior arrangement)
MysteryDepthStillness
Nakano Kannon Hall preserves five Heian-period Buddhist images centered on a wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu. Four figures are designated together as a Shizuoka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property, with one additional wooden Bodhisattva included as an associated object. The Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is 114 cm high, while the other Bodhisattva figures range from 82 to 114 cm. All are carved from single blocks of coniferous wood with carved eyes and no internal hollowing; even the hands and parts of the heavenly scarves are cut from the same blocks, preserving an archaic technique. Their strongly modeled thighs and substantial chests and abdomens indicate a date from the late 10th to early 11th century, in the middle Heian period. Long protected by the local community in mountainous Ikawa, the principal Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is unveiled once a year on January 6.
Chokokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
静岡県下田市田牛156
Visiting Status Viewing available (8:00–17:00)
PeacefulnessRefinementDepth
This wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined at Chokokuji Temple. Measuring 86.5 cm high, it is an Important Cultural Property of Japan from the late Heian period. It is described as being made of cypress or kaya wood, with carved eyes and an aged surface; both joined-wood and split-and-hollowed single-block constructions have been proposed. The formalized drapery and calm face, formed by small and shallowly carved features, show the influence of the Jocho style. Temple tradition holds that the image drifted ashore at nearby Ongokujima in 1180, one example of the drifted-Buddha traditions found across Izu. Shizuoka Prefecture lists it as open to the public from 8:00 to 17:00.
Rendaiji Tenjin Shrine
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
静岡県下田市蓮台寺352
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (special viewing three times a year in spring, autumn, and the New Year period; dates should be confirmed)
NobilityPeacefulnessSolemnity
This wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai is preserved at Rendaiji Tenjin Shrine. An Important Cultural Property of Japan, the 114.0 cm figure represents the Diamond Realm Dainichi Nyorai, wearing a crown and forming the Wisdom Fist mudra before the chest. It is made from joined cypress wood with carved eyes and lacquer-and-gold finish. The image is thought to have been the principal icon of the former Rendaiji Temple, now surviving only in the place name. Its calm round face, nearly equal in width and length, and graceful modeling retain the style of the late Heian period, while the statue itself is dated to the early Kamakura period. It is normally closed to the public, but the Shimoda Tourism Association states that special viewings are held three times a year in spring, autumn, and around the New Year.
Daifukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
静岡県浜松市浜名区三ヶ日町福長220-3
Visiting Status Viewable at any time (Nio Gate)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Two wooden standing Kongo Rikishi are enshrined in the Nio Gate of Daifukuji Temple. Agyo measures 264.5 cm and Ungyo 263.1 cm, both monumental figures over 2.6 meters high, made from joined coniferous wood with carved eyes. Their well-balanced heads and bodies achieve power and realism without excessive exaggeration, showing characteristics associated with Kei-school Buddhist sculptors. An entry in the temple record Daifukuji Shodo Zokenki, together with the statues' form and construction, suggests that they may date to 1307. Designated Shizuoka Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties, the two guardians remain in the Nio Gate and are listed by the prefecture as viewable at any time.
Oiwasan Nissekiji Temple
Buddhist Image Oiwa Nissekiji Rock Carving: Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
富山県中新川郡上市町大岩163
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00 / free entry to the hall and inner sanctuary)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The central image of the rock-carved Buddhist group on the cliff face enclosed by Nissekiji Temple’s Main Hall and Fudo Hall. Fudo Myoo is about 3 m high (Kamiichi Town lists 3.46 m) and is carved in half relief from tuff, accompanied by Kongara and Seitaka attendants, a seated Amida Nyorai, and a seated monk figure. Temple tradition attributes the carving to Gyoki in 725, while Toyama Prefecture identifies it as a Heian-period work. The group is designated both an Important Cultural Property and a National Historic Site. Visitors may enter the hall and inner sanctuary freely, and the image remains the center of worship as “Oiwa no Fudo-san.”
Daibutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Takaoka Daibutsu (Seated Amida Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県高岡市大手町11-29
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (pedestal corridor 9:00–17:00 / irregular closing days)
WarmthRefinementSolemnity
A bronze seated Amida Nyorai about 16 m high enshrined in the grounds of Daibutsuji Temple. Construction of the present Takaoka Daibutsu began in 1907 and took 26 years, reaching completion in 1933. Its wooden predecessor was erected in 1745 and was later destroyed in two major fires. The present statue was rebuilt by bringing together Takaoka’s renowned copperware craftsmanship and is designated a Cultural Property of Takaoka City. The Sanskrit seed syllable “Kiriku,” representing Amida Buddha, appears at the top of its circular halo. Inside the pedestal corridor, visitors can also view Buddhist paintings and the surviving face said to remain from the former Great Buddha.
Zuiryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Triad (Shaka Nyorai, Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県高岡市関本町35
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:30 / closes at 16:00 from Dec 10 to Jan 31)
DignityRefinementStillness
This triad consists of the principal Shaka Nyorai with Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu as attendants, enshrined on the altar of the National Treasure Butsuden Hall. Zuiryuji is a Soto Zen temple developed by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, as the memorial temple of the second lord, Maeda Toshinaga, and preserves an early-Edo-period Zen monastic layout. The Butsuden, built entirely of zelkova wood, is a National Treasure, and visitors can view the triad centered on the principal image inside the hall. Regular viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:30, with closing at 16:00 in winter from December 10 to January 31.
Rennoji Temple
Buddhist Image Kosugi Daibutsu (Takadera Daibutsu, Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県射水市三ケ高寺1597
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (open year-round / viewing hours should be confirmed in advance)
GentlenessWarmthDepth
A large wooden seated Amida Nyorai registered by Imizu City as a designated cultural property under the name “Takadera Daibutsu.” Including its pedestal, the statue stands about 5 m high and is known as one of the largest wooden Great Buddhas in Toyama Prefecture, forming the Toyama Three Great Buddhas together with the Takaoka and Shogawa Daibutsu. It is reported that the statue was largely destroyed in warfare during the Sengoku period, leaving the head and wrists, while the body was restored in the Edo period. It remains enshrined as the principal image in Rennoji Temple’s Main Hall and is open to general worship.
Jorakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県富山市婦中町千里6522
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled once a year in mid-April)
MysteryNobilityStillness
A wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu enshrined in the Kannon Hall of Jorakuji Temple. Carved from a single piece of cedar and measuring 185 cm in height, it is believed to date from the early Heian period. It appears originally to have been gilded, but the coloring has worn away and the cedar grain is now visible. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1926. Preserved at this ancient temple traditionally founded in 702, the image is normally hidden from view and can be seen together with the Sho Kannon Bosatsu once a year during an unveiling in mid-April.
Jorakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県富山市婦中町千里6522
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled once a year in mid-April)
PowerMysteryNobility
A wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu enshrined in the Kannon Hall of Jorakuji Temple. Measuring 185.8 cm and carved from a single piece of sandalwood, it is regarded as an early-Heian-period work. Tradition says it was originally at the Yamada Shukubo in Toyama City and attributes it to the sculptor Kasuga. Its carving is noted for a powerful, mysterious quality, and it is thought to predate the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu and to come from a different sculptural lineage. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1926. Normally hidden from view, it can be seen together with the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu during the annual unveiling in mid-April.
Shokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県高岡市伏木古国府17-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Mar–Nov 9:00–16:30; Dec–Feb 9:00–16:00)
PeacefulnessNobilityStillness
A wooden standing Amida Nyorai enshrined as the principal image in the Main Hall of Shokoji Temple. Official temple materials describe it as carved from a single piece of sandalwood, and it is included as the single sculptural work among the Shokoji treasures designated by Toyama Prefecture as historical materials. Shokoji is a Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha temple founded by Rennyo in 1471. The present Main Hall was built in 1795 and designated a National Treasure in 2022. Visitors can enter the Main Hall during regular viewing hours and worship the principal Amida Nyorai.
Angoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県南砺市安居4941
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled annually on October 18)
GentlenessMysteryNobility
The wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image of Angoji Temple. Measuring 97 cm high, it is carved from a single piece of kaya wood and dates to the early Heian period. The figure leans slightly forward with the right foot stepping out, while the crown, bracelets, heavenly garments, and folds of the robes are rendered with a rich sense of volume. Its narrow eyes and small mouth create a gentle expression. The gaze is directed toward the lotus bud held in the left hand, and the ears bear rare earring-like ornaments called jito. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it has long been revered as a secret image and is now unveiled each year on October 18.
Angoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Mikaeri Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県南砺市安居4941
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (enshrined in the Main Hall / temple open 8:00–16:30)
DepthStillnessMystery
The wooden standing Mikaeri Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Main Hall of Angoji Temple. Measuring 75.2 cm high, it is a joined-block cypress sculpture from the Muromachi period. Rather than facing straight ahead, the figure turns its face diagonally down to the left as though looking back to guide people, while both hands form the raigo mudra. The body, robes, and legs remain largely still, making the subtle backward glance stand out within an otherwise quiet stance. Only a few Mikaeri Amida images dating from the Muromachi period or earlier are known nationwide, and this image is designated a Cultural Property of Toyama Prefecture. The temple is normally open, but because regular viewing conditions for this specific image are not clearly stated, advance confirmation is recommended.
Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県南砺市井波3050
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:30 / closing days should be confirmed)
PeacefulnessRefinementDepth
A wooden standing Amida Nyorai enshrined as the principal image in the Main Hall of Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple. Carved in joined-block construction from cypress, lacquered and originally covered with gold leaf, it is regarded as a late-Heian-period work. Its rounded face, finely carved spiral hair, crystal set between the brows, and shallow, gently flowing drapery are characteristic features, and the hands form a mudra symbolizing guidance to the Pure Land. Tradition attributes the image to Taicho and says it was formerly enshrined at a temple on Mount Iozen. It is designated a Cultural Property of Toyama Prefecture. Zuisenji, founded in 1390, developed as a major center of Jodo Shinshu in Hokuriku; the present Main Hall was rebuilt in 1885 and can be visited during regular viewing hours.
Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple
Buddhist Image Two-Year-Old Prince Shotoku Statue Category Other
富山県南砺市井波3050
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled annually during Taishi-den-e, July 21–29)
MysteryNobilitySolemnity
A statue of Prince Shotoku at the age of two, enshrined at the center of the inner sanctuary of the Taishido Hall at Inami Betsuin Zuisenji Temple. Tradition holds that Emperor Go-Komatsu bestowed the image on the temple's founder, Shakunyo, and it symbolizes the temple's long-standing devotion to Prince Shotoku. The Taishido Hall was rebuilt in 1918 using the combined skills of Inami carpenters, woodcarvers, and lacquer craftsmen. The statue is normally hidden from view but is unveiled every year during the Taishi-den-e from July 21 to 29. During the festival, traditional picture-story preaching recounting Prince Shotoku's life from an eight-scroll pictorial set is also performed, allowing visitors to experience both the revered image and the continuing Buddhist rite.
Hongakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Bronze Yoryu Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県富山市婦中町富崎5153
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (temple open for visits year-round / free admission)
DignityDepthMystery
A bronze Yoryu Kannon Bosatsu enshrined at Hongakuji Temple. The 38.5 cm gilt-bronze image is regarded as preserving a style associated with the Nara period. Its darkened elongated face, sharply defined drapery lines, and dignified pose holding a medicine vessel are distinctive, and it is one of the old gilt-bronze Buddhist images of this type preserved in Toyama Prefecture. Temple tradition says the image was brought from Hida. During fighting at Tomisaki in the Eiroku era, it was reportedly placed in a stone chest and buried to protect it from fire, then rediscovered on the temple grounds during an expansion in 1709. It is recognized nationally as an Important Art Object. The temple is promoted as a year-round, free-to-visit site, but viewing hours for this specific image are not stated, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Tairyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県富山市舟倉2334
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled annually during the Kannon Festival on August 18)
NobilityMysterySolemnity
A wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu enshrined as the principal image of the Kannon Hall at Tairyuji Temple. About 1 m high and made in joined-block construction from cypress, an inscription inside the statue records that it was created by monks from Echizen Province on September 9, 1300. The image has crystal eyes, broad shoulders, realistically rendered drapery, and traces of its former coloring. It is especially valuable as a medieval Buddhist image whose date and circumstances of creation are known, and it is designated a Cultural Property of Toyama Prefecture. The temple introduces it as the oldest inscribed Buddhist statue in the prefecture. Long revered as a secret image, it is now unveiled every year during the Kannon Festival on August 18.
Sojiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県高岡市関町32
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (special unveiling once a year / check the official schedule)
GentlenessNobilitySolemnity
A wooden seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu preserved at Sojiji Temple. The 81.5 cm image is made in joined-block construction from cypress and has a gentle, refined face, softly flowing robes, and an air of dignity. Inscriptions inside the statue show that it was created around 1353, with Zen'e Hoin of Kongoji Temple in Kawachi Province as the patron and the sculptors Koga and Raishin responsible for the work. Edo-period documents also identify Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu as the principal image of Sojiji, making the connection between the statue's inscription and the temple's history particularly valuable. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Normally closed to the public, it can be worshipped during a special unveiling held once a year.