Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Ryufukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県甲賀市甲賀町滝856
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (admission by donation; confirm current viewing conditions with the temple)
GentlenessPeacefulnessWarmth
Ryufukuji Temple's principal image is a Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai, a 12th-century Heian-period work designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The temple is affectionately known as “Taki no Yakushi.” According to tradition, it originated when Saicho visited the area and enshrined Yakushi Nyorai while praying for the recovery of people suffering from an epidemic. The image remains enshrined in the main hall. Advance reservation is required, with admission by donation.
Kuroda Annenji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Bosatsu Figure (Imo Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県長浜市木之本町黒田2052
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (irregular closing days; admission ¥300; contact details available through the Kannon Concierge)
DepthMysteryStillness
The Standing Bodhisattva Figure known as Imo Kannon is enshrined at Kuroda Annenji Temple. Annenji preserves several damaged Buddhist images dating back to the Heian period; this figure is carved from a single block of wood and stands 152.5 cm high. According to local tradition, villagers buried the images in the ground to protect them from wartime destruction during the Sengoku period, and they were later unearthed and washed clean in the Yogo River. The loss of limbs and facial features itself conveys the history of local faith that preserved Buddhist images in the Kohoku region. Advance reservation is required for viewing.
Chojuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Joroku Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県湖南市東寺5丁目1-11
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–16:00; no reservation required for individuals; groups must reserve in advance)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
The Wooden Seated Joroku Amida Nyorai is enshrined in a repository at Chojuji Temple. The seated figure measures 285.5 cm high and is an imposing gilded image made of joined hinoki cypress. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and attributed to a sculptor in the Jocho tradition. Its rounded face, narrow downcast eyes, and restrained robe folds give the monumental figure a calm, meditative presence. The repository can be visited during regular temple hours, and individual visitors do not need reservations.
Konshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Gundari Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
滋賀県栗東市荒張1394
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–17:00; until 16:30 from December through March; open daily)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The Wooden Standing Gundari Myoo is enshrined in the Nigatsudo Hall at Konshoji Temple. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The figure is an imposing 3.6-meter-class image (363.3 cm), executed with polychromy and carved eyes. Its monumental scale and forceful presence make it one of the temple's most striking Buddhist images, and it can be viewed during regular temple hours.
Tohozan Anyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県栗東市安養寺88
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (check the official website for the day's opening hours)
DignityDepthSolemnity
The Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image enshrined in the Yakushido Hall at Tohozan Anyoji Temple. Dating from the Kamakura period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The imposing seated figure is about 136.8 cm high and holds a medicine jar, forming the central image of a Yakushi triad with Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas. Its face has darkened from the soot of goma fire rituals, a striking surface that evokes the temple's long history through repeated wartime destruction, while the sculpture shows the powerful character associated with the Kei-school tradition. It can be worshipped in the Yakushido during regular viewing.
Jorakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Figures of the Twenty-Eight Attendants Category Tenbu (Deva)
滋賀県湖南市西寺6丁目5-1
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (normally 10:00–16:00; viewing restrictions due to construction were in effect as of May 2026; confirm current conditions with the temple)
PowerDignityTense Presence
The Wooden Standing Figures of the Twenty-Eight Attendants are displayed as an ensemble in the National Treasure Main Hall of Jorakuji Temple. Dating from the Kamakura period, they are thought to have been carved by multiple sculptors between 1308 and 1314, and all twenty-eight figures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These guardian deities attend the Thousand-Armed Kannon and include vividly individual figures such as Karura and the elephant-headed Gobu Jokoten. Made with joined-wood construction and crystal eyes, the statues powerfully render musculature, armor, and ritual attributes. Complete Kamakura-period sculptural ensembles of the Twenty-Eight Attendants are exceptionally rare, with Jorakuji and Kyoto's Sanjusangendo among the best-known examples. They can be viewed at close range in the Main Hall by advance reservation.
Jogon-in Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県近江八幡市安土町慈恩寺744
Visiting Status Advance reservation required for Main Hall viewing (admission: 800 yen)
PeacefulnessNobilitySolemnity
The Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai is the principal image enshrined in the Main Hall of Jogon-in Temple. Dating from the Heian period, it is a monumental Joroku-scale image in the Jocho style and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The imposing Buddha is accompanied by a canopy, a halo adorned with thirteen flying celestial beings, and a lotus pedestal, creating a solemn devotional space centered on Amida. Tradition holds that Oda Nobunaga had the image moved here from Shimonogo in Kora. The statue can be worshipped in person by reserving a visit to the Main Hall in advance.
Jozenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Amida Nyorai and Two Attendant Bodhisattvas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県草津市草津3丁目9-7
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (weekdays only; closed Saturdays and Sundays; donation requested)
NobilityRefinementSolemnity
The principal images in the Main Hall of Jozenji Temple are a Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai flanked by standing Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas. All three are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Inscriptions on their pedestals date the ensemble to the mid-13th century, around 1253–1256. Their refined, gentle faces, dynamically folded robes, openwork halo with kalavinka motifs, and richly decorated lacquered nine-tier pedestal are especially notable. A painting of the Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas Descending from the Pure Land fills the wall behind them, creating an unusually concentrated Pure Land devotional setting. The statues can be viewed on weekdays by advance reservation.
Jurakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県甲賀市土山町山中351
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–16:00; irregular closing days; admission 500 yen)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
The Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai is the principal image enshrined in the Main Hall of Jurakuji Temple. Dating from the Heian period, it is designated a cultural property by Koka City. Known as one of Japan's largest Joroku-scale seated images of Amida, the statue combines a gentle expression with an imposing sense of volume. It is one of the Koka Three Great Buddhas, and the opportunity to stand before such a monumental Amida within the temple hall is the site's central attraction. It can be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00 by advance reservation.
Daichiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県甲賀市水口町名坂1168
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–17:00; until 16:00 in winter; closed August 11–17 and from December 25 through the morning of January 1)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
The Wooden Seated Shaka Nyorai is the principal image enshrined in the Main Hall of Daichiji Temple. Temple tradition attributes this monumental Joroku-scale statue to Gyoki in the Tempyo period, said to have been carved according to the devotional practice of itto sanrei—bowing three times for each cut of the chisel. The seated figure is about eight shaku, roughly 2.4 meters, in height and is counted among the Three Great Buddhas of Koka. Its serene face and imposing gilded volume give it a powerful yet peaceful presence. Beyond the temple's celebrated garden, the colossal Shaka itself is a compelling reason to visit and can be worshipped during regular viewing hours.
Kontaiji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Amida Nyorai and Two Attendant Bodhisattvas Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
滋賀県栗東市荒張398
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (confirm viewing conditions with the temple)
PeacefulnessNobilitySolemnity
The principal images in the Main Hall of Kontaiji Temple are a Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai flanked by Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas. All three are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. An inscription inside the central Amida dates its creation to May 1142, and the joined-wood construction with lacquer and gold leaf preserves the refined character of Heian-period Buddhist sculpture. The temple also retains Jikokuten and Zochoten from the same period, making the ensemble of surviving Heian images especially notable. The triad can be worshipped in person by advance reservation.
Shofukuji Temple (Konan)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon (former principal image of Eiganji Temple) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
滋賀県湖南市正福寺409
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (9:00–17:00; last entry 16:00; closed August 5–17 and over the year-end/New Year period)
NobilitySolemnityStillness
This Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined in the Kannon Hall at Shofukuji Temple. Four standing Eleven-Faced Kannon figures are arranged together in the center of the hall, and the largest, formerly the principal image of Eiganji Temple, dates from the Heian period and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. At 214.8 cm tall, it is regarded as the largest standing Eleven-Faced Kannon in Omi. Its commanding height is especially impressive when viewed together with the hall's other Buddhist images, including Yakushi Nyorai and a half-lotus-seated Jizo Bodhisattva. Viewing is available by advance reservation.
Tomikawa Magaibutsu (Mimidare Fudo)
Buddhist Image Rock-Carved Amida Triad and Fudo Myo-o Category Tathagata, Bodhisattvas, and Wisdom King
滋賀県大津市大石富川町
Visiting Status Outdoor viewing available (about a 20–25 minute walk on a mountain path; take care with weather and footing)
PowerMysterySolemnity
Tomikawa Magaibutsu is a monumental group of Buddhist images carved into a massive cliff in the mountains of Oishi Tomikawacho, Otsu. At the center is an approximately 6-meter seated Amida Nyorai, flanked by Kannon and Seishi Bodhisattvas, with Fudo Myoo also carved into the rock face. Mineral water seeps from near Amida's right ear and stains the stone a pale reddish color, giving the site its popular name, “Mimidare Fudo,” and it has long been venerated for relief from ear ailments. An inscription dated 1369 survives on the cliff, and the carvings are thought to date from around the 14th century. The images can be worshipped directly outdoors, and their immense scale makes the site a destination in its own right.
Komasaka Magaibutsu
Buddhist Image Rock-Carved Buddhist Triad (traditionally identified as the Amida Triad) Category Tathagata and Bodhisattvas
滋賀県栗東市荒張
Visiting Status Outdoor viewing available (about a 1-hour walk from the Bato Kannon-do parking area; mountain trail, so suitable footwear and weather awareness are essential)
MysterySolemnityStillness
Komasaka Magaibutsu is a nationally designated historic site at the ruins of Komasaka-dera in the Konze mountains. A massive granite face about 6.3 m high and up to 4.5 m wide bears a central Buddha with two attendant bodhisattvas, with nine smaller figures carved above. Traditionally identified as an Amida Triad, the central figure is about 2.2 m tall. Its broad shoulders, large facial features, and the attendants twisting toward the central Buddha have been linked stylistically to Unified Silla sculpture. Proposed dates range from the Hakuhō period to the Heian period, and the unresolved origins add to its fascination. The original carvings can be worshipped directly in the mountain setting.
Rock-Carved Fudo Myoo (Kurumatani Fudo)
Buddhist Image Rock-Carved Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
滋賀県湖南市岩根
Visiting Status Outdoor viewing available (about a 15-minute, 1 km walk from Junibo Onsen Yurara. The path to the shrine below the image is closed due to rockfall, but the carving can be viewed from the road across the ravine.)
PowerDignityTense Presence
This monumental Fudo Myoo is carved in high relief into a cliff on the mountainside at Iwane in Konan. Traditionally dated to the early Edo period, the figure stands 4.3 m high and 2.1 m wide, while the sword in its right hand alone measures about 2.3 m. Its massive form rising from the rock face and fierce expression create an overwhelming presence, and it has long been known locally as Kurumatani Fudo. The path to the small shrine directly below the image is currently closed because of rockfall, but the original carving remains clearly visible from the road across the ravine.
Fujii-dera Temple
Buddhist Image Dry-lacquer Seated Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Thousand-Eyed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府藤井寺市藤井寺1-16-21
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled on the 18th of every month, 9:00–16:30; no reservation required)
SolemnityMysteryNobility
The principal image of Fujii-dera Temple's Main Hall, this is a hollow dry-lacquer sculpture from the Nara period, in the Tenpyō era. It bears eleven faces above its head and has 1,041 arms including the hands joined in prayer, with an eye depicted on each palm. It is an exceptionally rare Japanese image of Thousand-Armed Kannon that actually represents more than one thousand arms and is designated a National Treasure. The temple tradition says it was enshrined in 725 by imperial vow of Emperor Shōmu, and it continues to be worshiped as a Kannon for protection from misfortune. It is unveiled in the Main Hall on the 18th of every month.
Kanshin-ji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Nyoirin Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府河内長野市寺元475
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually on April 17–18, 10:00–16:00)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The principal image enshrined in the Kondō of Kanshin-ji Temple, this wooden seated Nyoirin Kannon is thought to date from the mid-9th century in the Heian period and measures 109.4 cm in height. Carved from a single block of wood, it has six arms and retains vivid coloring and fine decorative patterns over much of the body. It is also said to have been commissioned by Empress Tachibana no Kachiko and is designated a National Treasure. Normally closed to the public, it is unveiled only on April 17 and 18 each year.
Domyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府藤井寺市道明寺1-14-31
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled on the 18th and 25th of every month, January 1–3, and April 17, 9:00–16:30)
DignityRefinementStillness
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is the principal image of Domyoji Temple’s Main Hall. A Heian-period work, it is about one meter tall and carved from a single piece of Japanese cypress. With almost no coloring or lacquer-gilding, the wood surface is left visible in the manner of a sandalwood-style image; notable features include its full face, well-balanced body, and eyes inlaid with black stones. Its precise date is debated, while tradition holds that Sugawara no Michizane carved it himself. It was designated a National Treasure in 1952. Normally kept as a hidden image, it can be viewed in the Main Hall on designated unveiling days such as the 18th and 25th of each month.
Amanosan Kongoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Dainichi Nyorai / Wooden Seated Fudo Myo-o / Wooden Seated Gozanze Myo-o Category Tathagata and Wisdom Kings
大阪府河内長野市天野996
Visiting Status Viewing inside the Kondo is available during National Treasure special openings (2026 autumn opening: November 1–3, 9:00–16:30)
SolemnityDignityPower
Enshrined in the Kondo of Amanosan Kongoji Temple, this National Treasure triad consists of the central wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai from the Heian period and the flanking seated Fudo Myoo and Gozanze Myoo from the Kamakura period. Together they are regarded as a three-dimensional expression of a distinctive Sonsho Mandala. During the Heisei-era restoration, an inscription inside the Fudo Myoo revealed that Gyokai, a leading disciple of Kaikei, completed it in 1234; the investigation also showed that the full triad took about fifty years to assemble. The three statues were designated together as a National Treasure in 2017. They can be viewed inside the Kondo during special National Treasure openings.
Yachuji Temple
Buddhist Image Gilt-bronze Miroku Bosatsu in Half-Lotus Pose Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
大阪府羽曳野市野々上5-9-24
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled on the 18th of every month, 9:30–16:00)
StillnessMysteryNobility
This gilt-bronze Miroku Bosatsu in a half-lotus pose has been preserved at Yachuji Temple. A work of the Asuka period, an inscription on its pedestal includes the cyclical year “Hinoe-Tora,” identifying the date of production as 666. The small gilt-bronze image depicts the bodhisattva seated with one leg crossed in a contemplative pose and is well known as a representative Buddhist sculpture of the Hakuho period. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1921. Normally kept as a hidden image, it is unveiled on the temple’s monthly viewing day, the 18th.