Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Jofukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県砺波市大窪50
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled annually, August 1–3)
NobilityRefinementDepth
A wooden standing Amida Nyorai enshrined in the Treasure Hall of Jofukuji Temple. About 78 cm high, it is made of cypress in joined-block construction and dates to the early Kamakura period. Crystal is set into the eyes, and delicate kirikane patterns remain on the drapery. Traditionally attributed to Tankei, son of Unkei, the image is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It was originally the principal image of Kuonji Temple, was moved to Chugu Shrine to escape wartime destruction, and later came to Jofukuji. Normally kept in the Treasure Hall, it can be worshipped during its annual unveiling from August 1 to 3.
Fukuoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県射水市加茂中部550
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (enshrined in the Main Hall)
PeacefulnessDepthRefinement
A wooden seated Amida Nyorai enshrined in the Main Hall of Fukuoji Temple. Dating to the Kamakura period, it is based on a single block of cedar with the arms carved separately. Its most distinctive feature is that it depicts Amida in the raigo, or welcoming, form while seated—an unusual iconographic type. The image is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Toyama Prefecture. Imizu City's official tourism site currently introduces it as one of three prefecturally designated Buddhist images at Fukuoji. As fixed viewing hours for this specific statue are not published, advance confirmation is recommended.
Jonichiji Temple
Buddhist Image Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県氷見市朝日本町16-8
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled every 33 years / temple grounds normally open for worship)
MysteryGentlenessDepth
Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is worshipped as the principal image of Asahiyama Jonichiji Temple. Temple tradition says the sacred image emerged from the Dragon Palace and was also said to have drifted ashore at Ota Beach. It has long attracted prayers for rain, protection from misfortune and other wishes. Jonichiji, traditionally founded in 681, is an old Koyasan Shingon temple and remains the 23rd temple of the Hokuriku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The principal image is normally kept as a secret Buddha and unveiled once every 33 years. The living Kannon devotion of the temple is also reflected in its sacred spring and the annual Gongon Festival.
Otokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県射水市青井谷1881
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled once every 33 years)
MysteryNobilityDepth
A wooden seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu preserved at Otokuji Temple. About 40 cm high and made of joined blocks of Japanese cypress, the image represents the thousand arms with 21 arms on each side. Its carving shows features associated with the Muromachi period, and temple tradition links it to Shibuya Konnomaru, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitomo, who is said to have carried it as a guardian image in battle. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Imizu City, it has long been worshipped as the Kannon of the 13th temple of the Ecchu Kannon pilgrimage. Normally hidden inside its shrine, it is unveiled only once every 33 years.
Senkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Secret Kannon Bosatsu Image Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県魚津市本町2丁目4-5
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled every 33 years)
MysteryDepthWarmth
A secret Kannon Bosatsu image enshrined in the Main Hall of Senkoji Temple. Tradition says it was passed down as a guardian image of the Shiina clan, lords of Matsukura Castle, which fell during Uesugi Kenshin's campaign in Ecchu. At the fall of the castle it was entrusted to a retainer, worshipped by residents in the district still called Kannondo, and later transferred to Senkoji following a revelatory dream. The tradition remains alive today: an unveiling is held every 33 years jointly by the temple's parishioners and residents of the Kannondo district. The official Jodo-shu temple directory still records both this history and the continuing unveiling custom.
Ioin Temple
Buddhist Image Ten Kings Statues (including Enma) with Shimei and Shiroku Attendants Category Other
富山県小矢部市埴生4476
Visiting Status Unveiled annually on August 22 for the Enma-e ceremony / reserved groups may request an unveiling
DignityDepthMystery
A group of statues at Ioin Temple depicting the Ten Kings centered on Enma, together with the attendants Shimei and Shiroku. Most were created around 1612 at Kurikara Chorakuji, with donations from women of the Maeda household praying for the recovery from illness and future salvation of Maeda Toshinaga, second lord of the Kaga domain. The Gokan-o and Toshi-o figures were later repaired around Toshinaga's 17th memorial, and the group was transferred to Ioin in 1869 during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism. Designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Oyabe City, the statues are still unveiled once a year on August 22 for the Enma-e ceremony, and the curtain may also be opened for groups by advance reservation.
Tsuzumigataki Open-Air Rock-Carved Buddhas
Buddhist Image Five Rock-Carved Buddhist Figures Centered on Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
富山県小矢部市矢波
Visiting Status Outdoor site open for worship (accessible from the Oyabe side / no parking or toilets)
PowerMysteryDepth
Five Buddhist figures carved directly into the tuff rock wall beside Tsuzumigataki Falls. At the center is a boldly carved Fudo Myoo with a flaming halo and sword; below on the right are a seated Dainichi Nyorai forming the wisdom-fist mudra and Kongara Doji, while a monk-form seated figure and Seitaka Doji appear to the left. The carvings are thought to date from the Edo period, and local tradition says they were created after the famous rock-carved Fudo at Oiwasan Nissekiji was invoked here. Although weathering is advanced, the chance to face the five figures directly in their natural setting of waterfall and rock makes the site distinctive. Access from the Oyabe side reopened in April 2025 and the site is currently visitable.
Jikoin Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Daigensui Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
富山県小矢部市西町5-6
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled annually on October 17 during the fire-walking ritual)
DignityPowerMystery
A standing Daigensui Myoo kept as a secret image in the Daigendo Hall of Jikoin Temple. The temple's official site describes the vividly polychromed wooden figure as approximately four meters tall and among the largest of its kind in Japan. Its immense wrathful form embodies the esoteric Wisdom King who protects the Three Treasures. As one of Jikoin's representative sacred images, it is normally hidden and unveiled only once a year, on October 17 during the Saito Dai-Goma fire-walking ritual. The 2026 ceremony and special unveiling are also officially announced for October 17 and are open to general worshippers. Its extraordinary scale, rare identity and clearly defined annual viewing make it one of Toyama's most distinctive secret-Buddha sites.
Kosanji Temple
Buddhist Image Shinminato Daibutsu (Joroku Amida Nyorai) and the Three Thousand Buddhas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県射水市八幡町2丁目13-2
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (confirm viewing hours in advance)
SolemnityDignityDepth
Enshrined in Kosanji Temple’s earthen-walled separate hall, the Shinminato Daibutsu is a joroku-scale Amida Nyorai about 5 m high, surrounded by more than 3,000 Buddhist images known as the Thousand Buddhas. The Great Buddha is said to have been established in 1682 and survived repeated major fires; in 1856, devotees rebuilt the hall and re-enshrined it. Its halo contains the Twelve Light Buddhas and the Nine Grades of Amida, and the entire interior is arranged to evoke the Pure Land. The temple itself prominently presents the site as the “Shinminato Daibutsu and Three Thousand Buddhas,” and it is also introduced by Imizu City’s official tourism site and the official Jodo Shu temple directory. The experience of being surrounded by thousands of Buddhist images gives this site exceptional value for worship and viewing.
Statue of Peace
Buddhist Image Statue of Peace (Bronze Kannon Bosatsu) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
富山県黒部市宇奈月町内山字尾ノ沼 大原台自然公園内
Visiting Status Open viewing (May–November / vehicle access unavailable in winter)
SolemnityDignityPurity
Standing high above Unazuki Onsen in Ohara-dai Nature Park, this monumental bronze Kannon Bosatsu measures 12.8 m tall and weighs 29 tons. Created by sculptor Daiju Sasaki, a native of Unazuki, it was erected in October 1982 with prayers for the enduring peace and repose of the Kurobe River. The statue stands at an elevation of 565.8 m, and a Kannon Festival is held here every May 18, showing that it remains an active focus of prayer. Toyama Prefecture’s official tourism site lists the site as free to visit, with viewing generally possible from May through November. Although modern, its immense scale, mountain setting and continuing annual rite make it a compelling Buddhist destination in its own right.
Oozawa Stone Buddha Forest / Eight Hundred Arhats
Buddhist Image Eight Hundred Arhats (Group of Stone Arhat Statues) Category Other
富山県富山市牛ケ増家高割1092
Visiting Status Open viewing (open all day, free / rest house 9:00–17:00, Apr 1–Nov 15; closed Tuesdays)
WarmthStillnessDepth
More than 800 stone Buddhist figures cover a hillside along the Jinzu River in southern Toyama City. Japan's national location database describes the site as a permanent group of about 800 stone Arhat statues established in 1994, each with a different face, appearance and expression. Rows of figures spread across the slope overlooking a dam lake, making the experience of walking among the large Arhat group itself the main attraction. Toyama City's official tourism site states that the grounds are open all day and free of charge, with parking and toilets available. The neighboring Fureai Stone Statue Village, which focuses partly on statues of ordinary people, is a separate site and is not included in this entry.
Daibutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Surviving Face of the Second-generation Takaoka Daibutsu (Buddha Head) 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)
DepthStillnessSolemnity
At the deepest point of the corridor beneath the Takaoka Daibutsu’s pedestal is a Buddha head said to be the surviving face of the second-generation Takaoka Daibutsu, damaged in the great fire of 1900. Scorch marks from the blaze remain visible, and the head is preserved as a reminder of the city’s history of fire and rebuilding. Behind it are the Twelve Light Buddhas originally intended for the halo of the present Great Buddha. Unlike the 16 m statue above, this is a rare opportunity to stand close to an actual surviving part of the lost predecessor and experience the history of Takaoka Daibutsu through the object itself.
Anantan Sacred Site
Buddhist Image Stone Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
富山県中新川郡上市町黒川84
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–17:00 / until 16:00 Dec–Feb / closed Dec 31–Jan 3)
MysteryStillnessPurity
Anantan Sacred Site is a mountain ascetic pilgrimage place in Kurokawa, Kamiichi. At the front of the first cave, reached by descending 108 stone steps, a stone Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined, and sacred spring water emerges from behind it. Thirty-three Kannon images line the approach. Since the late Edo period, when the monk Hakushin practiced here, the site has attracted worshippers praying for healing. Visitors still come from across Japan and traditionally pray to Yakushi Nyorai before receiving the water. Its active worship centered on the Buddha image—not merely the spring itself—makes it a distinctive Buddhist destination.
Oyama Shrine, Ashikuraji Chugu Kiganden
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Statue of Jiko Shonin Category Other
富山県中新川郡立山町芦峅寺2
Visiting Status Displayed once a year (New Year’s Day only)
DepthDignityStillness
Enshrined in the Founder’s Hall within Oyama Shrine at Ashikuraji, this wooden seated portrait represents Saeki Ariyori, the legendary founder of Mt. Tate worship who later became the ascetic Jiko Shonin. Carved from Tateyama cedar in joined-wood construction and dating to the early Kamakura period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The figure is shown with hands clasped in prayer and is directly tied to the legend in which Ariyori encountered Amida Nyorai and Fudo Myoo and opened Mt. Tate as a sacred mountain. Tateyama Town states that the statue is displayed to the public only once a year, on New Year’s Day. Though a portrait of a holy man rather than a Buddha image, it is one of the clearest surviving sculptural symbols of Tateyama’s syncretic Buddhist mountain faith.
Ashikuraji Enmado Hall
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated King Enma and Uba Statue Group Category Other
富山県中新川郡立山町芦峅寺
Visiting Status Regular worship available (free / when the hall is open; confirm opening times in advance)
DignityPowerMystery
Ashikuraji Enmado Hall preserves one of the most vivid surviving spaces of Tateyama mountain faith. At its center is a 163 cm wooden seated image of King Enma, thought to date from the Kamakura period, surrounded by Uba figures and other wooden images associated with the salvation of women. The historic Nunobashi Kanjoe rite began here with confession before Enma and is now revived every three years, while the Uba images are ritually redressed each March 13. The combination of powerful sculpture, living ritual and the Buddhist vision of Tateyama as a realm of hell and paradise makes this an exceptionally distinctive worship site.
Natadera Temple
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
石川県小松市那谷町ユ122
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:15–16:00 / admission fee required / open year-round)
SolemnityDignityMystery
The Kondo Keo-den Hall enshrines a 7.8-meter Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon created by Kyoto Buddhist sculptor Matsuhisa Sorin. Made from Kiso hinoki cypress using joined-block construction, the monumental image sits solemnly in the hall, which was rebuilt in 1990 in a Kamakura-period Japanese architectural style. The Kondo is included in Natadera Temple's standard admission route and the image can be worshipped during regular opening hours.
Natadera Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon (Secret Principal Image) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
石川県小松市那谷町ユ122
Visiting Status Secret image (special opening Sep 1–30, 2026 / 9:15–16:00 / included with standard admission)
MysteryNobilityStillness
This seated Thousand-Armed Kannon has been handed down as Natadera Temple's secret principal image. On May 28, 2026, it was designated a Cultural Property of Komatsu City together with its pedestal and zushi shrine. Komatsu City describes it as a finely composed image that brings the complex form of the Thousand-Armed Kannon together harmoniously, with carefully carved hair and a calm, intellectual expression. To commemorate the designation, it is on special public view from September 1 through 30, 2026.
Yakuoin Onsenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
石川県加賀市山代温泉18-40甲
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (enshrined in the Kannon Hall / confirm individual viewing with the temple in advance)
DignityDepthStillness
This wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in the Kannon Hall of Yakuoin Onsenji Temple. Dating to the Heian period, it stands 167.2 cm tall and is a substantial single-block carving made from keyaki wood. It is said to have originally belonged to Jikoin, formerly associated with the Shinmeigu and Hakusangu shrines in Daishoji, before being transferred to Yakuoin. It was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Ishikawa Prefecture on April 11, 1991. There are records of viewing the image in the Kannon Hall, but advance confirmation is the safest option for individual viewing.
Yukokuzan Zenshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Five Hundred Rakan (517 statues including the Shaka Triad, Four Heavenly Kings and Ten Great Disciples) Category Other
石川県加賀市大聖寺神明町1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00 / open year-round / admission fee required)
DepthWarmthSolemnity
Zenshoji Temple's Rakan Hall houses a complete ensemble of 517 Buddhist statues: the Shaka Triad, Four Heavenly Kings, Ten Great Disciples and Five Hundred Rakan, with not a single figure missing. Funded by donations from attendants of the Kanazawa and Daishoji domains, samurai and townspeople, the group was completed in 1867 and created by Kyoto Buddhist sculptor Yamamoto Shigesuke. Visitors can view the vividly colored ensemble together, and both the sculptor's specifications and the original donation ledger survive.
Aizenji Temple
Buddhist Image Aizen Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
石川県加賀市片山津温泉11-3-5
Visiting Status Regular worship available (6:30–17:30 / hours may vary by season and other conditions)
PowerMysteryWarmth
Aizen Myoo is enshrined in the Goma Hall of Aizenji Temple, the guardian temple of Katayamazu Onsen. The official tourism guide introduces the deity as a Buddha of matchmaking, and the image remains a focus of prayers for good relationships today. The temple also features its Isshin ema for matchmaking and an inome-shaped gate, offering an approachable expression of the faith rooted in the hot-spring district.