Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Tamagawa Cave Kannon
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福井県丹生郡越前町玉川41-2-1
Visiting Status Free to worship (cave lighting 8:00–22:00)
MysteryWarmthStillness
The principal image of Tamagawa Cave Kannon is an Eleven-Faced Kannon. Tradition says the sanctuary began when a Kannon image caught in a fisherman’s net was enshrined here; the image is said to be in a Chinese Tang style and is traditionally attributed to the monk Taicho. It was once enshrined in a natural seaside cave, but after a rock-collapse accident in 1989 it was moved for safety to the present artificial cave in 1994. Revered by fishermen along the Echizen Coast as a guardian of safety at sea, it is now freely accessible for worship. Echizen-yaki lights inside the cave are illuminated from 8:00 to 22:00.
Jozenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Fudo Myo-o (Namikiri Fudo) Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
福井県大飯郡おおい町大島114-1
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (viewing hours by inquiry)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Jozenji Temple preserves a wooden seated Fudo Myoo dating to the Heian period and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its imposing wrathful form is revered under the name “Namikiri Fudo,” the Fudo who cuts through perilous waves, and has long been worshipped by fishermen of Wakasa Oshima for protection at sea. The image remains available for viewing, but Fukui Prefecture’s official tourism information lists both hours and closing days as requiring inquiry, so visitors should confirm in advance. The viewing fee is 500 yen.
Jinguji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Kongo Rikishi Statues (Pair) Category Tenbu (Deva)
福井県小浜市神宮寺30-4
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00; closed February 15–March 5)
PowerDignityTense Presence
Jinguji Temple’s Niomon (North Gate) enshrines a pair of wooden standing Kongo Rikishi statues. The Agyo and Ungyo guardians stand powerfully on either side of the gate, and an ink inscription on the statues is dated 1385. The pair is designated a cultural property of Obama City, while the Niomon itself dates to the late Kamakura period and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Jinguji preserves a history of syncretic Shinto-Buddhist worship and is known for the Omizu-okuri rite held every March 2. Regular viewing is available from 9:00 to 16:00, but the temple is closed to visitors from February 15 through March 5.
Saifukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Triad (Amida Nyorai, Kannon Bosatsu, Seishi Bosatsu) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福井県敦賀市原13-7
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:30; may be unavailable during ceremonies or events)
PeacefulnessNobilitySolemnity
The principal images of Saifukuji Temple’s Amidado Hall form an Amida Triad, with Amida Nyorai in the center flanked by Kannon Bosatsu and Seishi Bosatsu. Temple tradition identifies them as devotional images once owned by Taira no Shigemori and attributes them to Jikaku Daishi Ennin. Saifukuji was founded in 1368 by the priest Ryonyo, and the Amidado was moved from Ichijodani in 1593 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Although the Mieido is currently under restoration, the Amidado remains open for regular viewing from 9:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30; access may be restricted during ceremonies or events.
Hozanji Temple
Buddhist Image Reclining Buddha Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福井県越前市住吉町1-24
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (contact the temple for viewing hours)
PeacefulnessDepthStillness
Hozanji Temple’s Main Hall contains a wooden reclining Buddha representing Shaka Nyorai entering parinirvana. On the wall behind the image, grieving disciples are depicted, creating a unified scene of the Buddha’s passing. Hozanji is the eighth temple of the Hokuriku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage, and its principal Thousand-Armed Kannon is a secret Buddha unveiled once every 33 years. The reclining Buddha is normally available for viewing inside the Main Hall, but visitors should contact the temple to confirm specific viewing hours.
Asahi Kannon Fukutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
福井県丹生郡越前町朝日7-61
Visiting Status Secret Buddha (unveiled every year on January 1, April 18, and August 10)
NobilityRefinementMystery
Fukutsuji Temple’s principal image is a wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu from the Kamakura period. The 204.7 cm statue is made in joined-block construction with inlaid crystal eyes and is designated a cultural property of Fukui Prefecture. It has a refined, half-closed expression; the right hand forms a gesture before the chest and the left holds a lotus bud. Temple tradition says Taicho carved the image from sacred wood when the temple was founded in 717, and it has long been revered as the “Asahi Kannon.” The statue is a secret Buddha and is unveiled three times each year, on January 1, April 18, and August 10.
Reisenji Temple
Buddhist Image Lacquered Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai (Great Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福井県越前市池泉町24-2
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (worship available in the Great Buddha Hall; contact the temple for hours)
SolemnityPeacefulnessDepth
Reisenji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall enshrines a lacquered wooden standing Amida Nyorai. Measuring about 10 meters from the lotus pedestal, it is counted among the Three Great Buddhas of Takefu. The image was originally commissioned from a Buddhist sculptor by a devout resident of Ikeda and worshipped at his home. According to temple tradition, after repeated dreams in which Amida asked to return to Ikenokami, a Great Buddha Hall was built in 1894 with contributions from nearly 100,000 supporters and the statue was enshrined there. Amida forms the raigo mudra. It can be worshipped in the Great Buddha Hall, but visitors are advised to confirm specific viewing hours with the temple in advance.
Yasaka Shrine
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai (Early 11th Century) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
福井県丹生郡越前町天王18-24
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (viewing of the Important Cultural Properties is by reservation)
DignityDepthSolemnity
This wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Treasure Hall of Yasaka Shrine. It was discovered beneath the floor of the former inner sanctuary together with other large Buddhist statues during reconstruction of the main shrine in 1963. Dating to the early 11th century in the Heian period, the 140.0 cm statue is made of zelkova in joined-block construction, with carved eyes and an unpainted wood finish, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It forms the upper-grade upper-birth meditation mudra, and its full chest, strongly carved facial features, and powerful robe folds give it a dignified character distinctive of regional sculpture. It is thought to have belonged to Ojinji, the Buddhist temple that formerly served Yasaka Shrine. Advance reservation is required to view the Important Cultural Properties.
Kinpozan Shoboji Temple (Gifu Great Buddha)
Buddhist Image Great Shaka Nyorai (Gifu Great Buddha) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岐阜県岐阜市大仏町8
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; open year-round)
SolemnityGentlenessPeacefulness
The principal image enshrined in Shoboji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall is the Great Shakyamuni Buddha, commonly known as the Gifu Great Buddha. The 11th abbot, Ichu, planned its construction to pray for the repose of victims of repeated major earthquakes and famines, and the 12th abbot, Koso, carried on the project. It was completed and consecrated in 1832 after about 38 years. Its wooden framework was shaped with woven bamboo, coated with clay, covered with sheets of Buddhist scriptures, then finished with lacquer and gold leaf. Known as the “basket Buddha,” it stands 13.7 meters high, is the largest Buddha in Japan made by this method, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture. It can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 17:00.
Daibutsuji Temple (Sakichi Daibutsu)
Buddhist Image Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岐阜県羽島市竹鼻町209
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (8:00–19:00; open year-round)
WarmthGentlenessPeacefulness
The Sakichi Daibutsu enshrined at Daibutsuji Temple is a bronze Shakyamuni Buddha erected in 1759 by Nagata Sakichi, who was revered locally as the “Sage of Mino.” Tradition says Sakichi commissioned it in gratitude after recovering from a serious illness during a pilgrimage through prayers to the deities and Buddhas. Including its stone pedestal, the statue stands 4.9 meters high, and the pedestal measures 8.3 meters around. It was cast by the Edo craftsman Nishimura Izumi-no-kami Fujiwara Masatoki and is designated a Historic Site of Gifu Prefecture. A door in the back leads into the hollow interior, which visitors may enter upon request. Regular viewing is available from 8:00 to 19:00 year-round.
Naka Kannondo and Hashima Enku Museum
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon by Enku Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岐阜県羽島市上中町中526
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–17:00; closed Mondays)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
The principal image of Naka Kannondo Hall in Hashima, regarded locally as Enku’s birthplace, is a standing Eleven-Faced Kannon. According to the Hashima Folk History Museum, the 222 cm statue is thought to have been carved by Enku around 1669. Seventeen Enku statues, including this image, are enshrined in the hall and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture. Many of the figures believed to have been carved around the same time as the Eleven-Faced Kannon use high-quality cypress and show the smooth surface treatment characteristic of Enku’s early work. The hall is normally open from 9:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays, allowing visitors to view the Enku statues at close range.
Hida Senkoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Ryomen Sukuna by Enku Category Other
岐阜県高山市丹生川町下保1553
Visiting Status Seasonal viewing (9:30–16:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays from April 4 to November 30, 2026; other weekdays for reserved groups only)
PowerMysteryTense Presence
Enku’s seated Ryomen Sukuna is on permanent display in the Enku Buddhist Statue Treasure Hall at Hida Senkoji Temple. Enku is said to have visited Senkoji around 1685 and stayed for several years. The temple now preserves 64 statues by Enku, including the seated Ryomen Sukuna, standing Nio figures carved from living trees, and the Thirty-Three Kannon images, all viewable in the treasure hall. Ryomen Sukuna is deeply revered at Senkoji as the temple’s legendary founder, and this unusual two-faced figure is one of the temple’s representative treasures shaped in Enku’s distinctive style. In 2026 the treasure hall is open 9:30–16:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and public holidays from April 4 to November 30; other weekdays are available to reserved groups only.
Ryokaisan Yokokuraji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Jinja Daisho Category Tenbu (Deva)
岐阜県揖斐郡揖斐川町谷汲神原1160
Visiting Status Seasonal viewing (10:00–16:00; the treasure hall is closed December–March and on rainy days)
PowerTense PresenceMystery
This wooden standing Jinja Daisho is enshrined and displayed in Yokokuraji Temple’s Ruriden Treasure Hall. Dating to the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Jinja Daisho is a formidable guardian of the Buddhist Dharma, and this image is one of the outstanding sculptures among the 22 nationally designated Important Cultural Property statues preserved at Yokokuraji. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded by Saicho in 803 and is known as the “Shosoin of Mino” for its extensive collection of Buddhist statues, paintings and texts. Ruriden can be visited from 10:00 to 16:00, but is closed from December through March and on rainy days.
Iwado Kobo Kobuji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
岐阜県岐阜市長森岩戸944-99
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually May 2–6)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The standing Fudo Myoo enshrined as the principal image of Iwado Kobo Kobuji Temple at the foot of Mount Kinka is thought by the temple to date from the Kamakura period. It was formerly kept in the Goma Hall of Sanboin on Mount Koya and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Gifu City in 1975. The image is worshipped inside the temple’s distinctive natural cave main hall, approximately 16 meters deep and 5 meters high. It is normally hidden from view and is unveiled each year from May 2 through May 6, when general visitors can worship it directly.
Iwaisan Ensanji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岐阜県岐阜市岩井2-1-25
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on May 5)
WarmthPeacefulnessDepth
The principal image of Ensanji Temple’s main hall is a wooden standing Yakushi Nyorai dating to the early Heian period and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Temple tradition holds that Saicho carved three Yakushi images from a single camphor tree at Iwai in Inaba Province and that this is one of them; Kukai is later said to have founded a temple here. The image is also linked to the legend of a sacred spring that healed Ono no Komachi and is affectionately known locally as the “Kasa-gami.” It is normally hidden from view and is unveiled each year on May 5.
Iozan Hida Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
岐阜県高山市総和町1-83
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (9:00–16:00; main hall viewing closed December 31 and January 1)
GentlenessPeacefulnessRefinement
The principal image in Hida Kokubunji Temple’s main hall is a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai dating to the 12th century (Heian period). The 1.55-meter statue is carved from a single piece of cypress and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan; temple tradition attributes it to Gyoki. With a serene expression, its right hand forms the gesture of reassurance while the left holds a medicine jar, and it has long been worshipped as a focus of Yakushi faith for healing and well-being. It can be viewed in the nationally designated Important Cultural Property main hall, rebuilt in the mid-Muromachi period, together with statues including Sho Kannon Bosatsu. Regular main hall viewing is 9:00–16:00, except December 31 and January 1.
Zuikozan Osshinji Temple (Kagashima Kobo)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岐阜県岐阜市鏡島中2丁目8番1号
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (inside Hobutsuden 9:00–12:00; registration at the temple office required; check on the day for the 21st of each month and January 1–3)
SolemnityPeacefulnessDepth
The principal image of Osshinji Temple is a wooden standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon enshrined in the Hobutsuden Treasure Hall. Dating to the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Temple tradition traces the temple’s origin to 738, when Gyoki is said to have carved an Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon and enshrined it in a hermitage. The temple buildings were destroyed in the 1945 Gifu air raid, but this statue survived together with images including Bishamonten and Idaten. Today it remains an object of active worship in Hobutsuden. Interior viewing is normally available from 9:00 to 12:00 after registering at the temple office, while worship from outside Hobutsuden is possible 24 hours a day.
Dainichizan Mieji Temple (Mieji Kannon)
Buddhist Image Dry-Lacquer Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岐阜県岐阜市美江寺町2丁目3
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on April 18)
NobilityStillnessSolemnity
The principal image of Mieji Temple is a dry-lacquer standing Eleven-Faced Kannon dating to the late Nara, or Tenpyo, period and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It was made using the hollow dry-lacquer technique: a clay core was shaped and covered with layers of hemp cloth and lacquer, then the clay inside was removed. It is a rare surviving example of this technique outside the major ancient centers. Several original transformed faces remain on the head, while the flowing robes, finely detailed ornaments and well-balanced proportions preserve the character of Tenpyo sculpture. Temple tradition says the image was moved via the area around present-day Mieji in Mizuho before reaching its current site in Gifu during the Sengoku period. It is normally hidden from view and unveiled each year on April 18.
Seihoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon by Enku Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
岐阜県高山市国府町鶴巣1320-2
Visiting Status Advance reservation required
GentlenessWarmthStillness
Enshrined in the Enku Hall at Seihoji Temple, this standing Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon was carved by Enku. It is the central image among three Enku statues said to have been carved from cypress when Enku stayed in the area around 1690, and stands 127 cm high. Gifu Prefecture describes it as a single-block, unpainted cypress carving with carved eyes, distinguished by its gentle half-closed expression and the many arms radiating from its back. Together with the Ryuzu Kannon and Sho Kannon, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Gifu Prefecture. Advance reservation is required for viewing, and the official Hida Takayama travel guide lists an admission fee of 300 yen.
Seki City Enku Museum
Buddhist Image Aizen Myo-o by Enku Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
岐阜県関市池尻185
Visiting Status Regularly open (9:00–16:30; closed Mondays except public holidays, the day after public holidays except weekends/public holidays, and Dec. 29–Jan. 3)
PowerMysteryTense Presence
An image of Aizen Myoo carved by Enku and displayed at the Seki City Enku Museum. Seki is closely associated with Enku: late in life he revived Mirokuji Temple and used the area as his base, before entering final meditation beside the Nagara River in 1695. The museum introduces around 40 Enku statues preserved in Seki. This Aizen Myoo is owned by Seki City and is specifically listed in the museum’s official exhibition information, presenting the Wisdom King through Enku’s distinctive woodcarving style. It is normally viewable from 9:00 to 16:30 except on designated closed days.