Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Manganji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県川西市満願寺町7-1
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled annually during the spring equinox period; in 2026, March 17–23)
GentlenessMysteryPeacefulness
The wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon is the principal image of Manganji Temple’s Kannon Hall. It is listed by Kawanishi City as a Hyogo Prefecture-designated cultural property. Normally kept behind the closed doors of its shrine, the image is unveiled once each year during the spring equinox period, when visitors can worship it directly in the Kannon Hall. The temple’s official notice states that the 2026 opening ran from March 17 to 23. Thousand-Armed Kannon is revered as a compassionate bodhisattva who reaches out with many hands to aid sentient beings, making this one of Manganji’s representative Buddhist images.
Gayain Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
兵庫県三木市志染町大谷410
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (inner sanctuary Buddhist images; 9:00–17:00, admission ¥500. Special opening January 1–3)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden standing Bishamonten is the principal image of Gayain Temple. Dating to the late Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The powerful figure reflects the temple’s Shugendo tradition, and Bishamonten is worshipped for prosperity, good health, and success in contests. Regular viewing of the inner-sanctuary images requires advance reservation by telephone and an admission fee of ¥500. During the New Year services from January 1 to 3, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, and Aizen Myoo are specially unveiled in the Main Hall.
Awaji Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県南あわじ市八木国分331
Visiting Status Normally viewable (8:30–17:00; admission ¥300. Special openings on May 8 and August 1)
SolemnityDignityDepth
The wooden seated Shaka Nyorai is the principal image of Awaji Kokubunji Temple. Standing nearly three meters high at 294.8 cm, this jo-roku image was created in 1340 by the Buddhist sculptor Myoen. Made with the joined-block technique, both the figure and halo retain a brilliant golden appearance, and even the webbed fingers, one of the traditional thirty-two marks of a Buddha, are carefully rendered. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it is known as one of the largest Buddhist statues on Awaji Island. It can be viewed during regular visiting hours, with special openings held on May 8 and August 1.
Onsenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県豊岡市城崎町湯島985-2
Visiting Status Hidden image (partially unveiled every April 23–24; full unveiling once every 33 years, next scheduled for 2051)
MysteryNobilityStillness
The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is the principal image of Onsenji Temple. Carved from a single piece of cypress and standing over two meters high, it is distinguished by a rough-hewn nata-bori technique that leaves visible chisel marks on the surface. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the statue is traditionally attributed by the temple to the sculptor Keibun. It is regarded as one of the representative ancient Buddhist images of the Tajima region. Normally hidden within its shrine, part of the image is shown each year during the Onsen Festival on April 23–24, while a full unveiling takes place once every 33 years, with the next scheduled for 2051.
Tamonji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten, Standing Kisshoten, and Standing Jizo Bosatsu Category Deva and Bodhisattva
兵庫県神戸市北区長尾町宅原417
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled annually on January 13 during the Bishamonten Festival)
DignityPowerNobility
Tamonji Temple preserves three Buddhist statues designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan: a wooden standing Bishamonten, a wooden standing Kisshoten, and a wooden standing Jizo Bosatsu. According to official Kobe City information, the Bishamonten dates to the early Heian period, the Kisshoten to the late Heian period, and the Jizo Bosatsu to the late Kamakura period. They are normally not on public view, but all three are unveiled each year on January 13 for the Bishamonten Festival, offering a rare chance to worship ancient images from different periods together.
Onsenji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神戸市北区有馬町1643
Visiting Status Normally viewable (9:00–16:30, free admission)
SolemnityPeacefulnessDepth
The seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Onsenji Temple in the heart of Arima Onsen. Tradition holds that the temple was founded in 724 by the monk Gyoki after he was guided to Arima by Yakushi Nyorai. A large seated Yakushi image is enshrined at the center of the Main Hall and continues to be worshipped as a guardian Buddha of the hot-spring town. Kobe's official tourism site even introduces zazen practice held inside the hall in front of this image, and visitors can normally worship the statue during regular opening hours. It is a representative Buddhist image directly tied to the history and faith of Arima Onsen.
Sumadera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県神戸市須磨区須磨寺町4丁目6-8
Visiting Status Normally viewable (8:30–17:00, free admission)
GentlenessNobilityPeacefulness
The wooden Sho Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image of Sumadera Temple’s Main Hall. According to the temple’s founding tradition, the sacred Kannon image was discovered in the sea off Wada-misaki in Kobe and was later moved to the present site in 886. The temple’s historical records also state that Minamoto no Yorimasa enshrined Sho Kannon in 1169. Today the image remains the central object of worship in the Main Hall and is the focus of daily prayers and pilgrim devotion. Visitors can enter the Main Hall area and worship during regular opening hours.
Myohoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
兵庫県神戸市須磨区妙法寺字毘沙門山1286
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled annually on January 3 during the Tsuina ceremony)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden standing Bishamonten is the principal image of Myohoji Temple’s Main Hall. Dating to the Heian period, it is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Tradition holds that the temple was founded by Gyoki in 738, and when Taira no Kiyomori moved the capital to Fukuhara, the temple was known as “New Kurama” and protected as a guardian temple of the new capital. The Bishamonten image is normally closed to the public but is unveiled each year on January 3 for the temple’s Tsuina ceremony. It is a representative Bishamonten of Suma where the history of an ancient temple and a living annual devotion remain closely connected.
Jissoji Temple (Tamonji)
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県神戸市垂水区多聞台2丁目2-75
Visiting Status Advance reservation required for interior viewing; donation requested
NobilityRefinementStillness
In the Main Hall of Jissoji Temple (Tamonji), the wooden standing Nikko Bosatsu and Gakko Bosatsu are enshrined to the right and left of the hidden principal image, Bishamonten. Both are Heian-period statues made with the joined-block technique and finished with lacquer and gold leaf, and both are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. During the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake they fell from the altar and were badly damaged, but were restored and are now once again enshrined in the Main Hall. Interior viewing is available by advance reservation, allowing visitors to worship the two images at close range.
Yakusenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai, Standing Eleven-Faced Kannon, and Standing Amida Nyorai Category Tathagatas and Bodhisattva
兵庫県神戸市兵庫区今出在家町4丁目1-14
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (unveiled annually on August 8–9 for the Shimanrokusen-nichi observance)
SolemnityDepthPeacefulness
Three Buddhist images are enshrined in the Main Hall of Yakusenji Temple. At the center is a wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai from the Heian period, carved from a single block of wood, 88.7 cm high, and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is said to have originally been made as an Amida Nyorai and later altered into Yakushi Nyorai. The wooden standing Eleven-Faced Kannon is a Kamakura-period joined-block sculpture, 86.3 cm high, and is designated a cultural property by Kobe City. The standing Amida Nyorai dates to the Edo period and was brought from Onomichi after the war. All three images are normally kept behind closed doors and are unveiled only on August 8 and 9 each year.
Tenporinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神戸市垂水区名谷町2089
Visiting Status Normally closed to the public (repository opened on Dec. 31, Jan. 1, Jan. 7, the first Sunday of April, and Marine Day in July; opening times should be confirmed in advance)
SolemnityDignityDepth
The wooden seated Amida Nyorai is the principal image of Tenporinji Temple and is now enshrined in the temple’s repository. Dating to the Heian period, the statue stands a little over 140 cm high. It is made of cypress using the joined-block technique and forms the raigo-in mudra, with a dignified half-jo-roku-scale body. The image is normally closed to the public, but the repository is opened on December 31, January 1, January 7, the first Sunday of April, and Marine Day in July for temple observances. Visitors can worship the image from the repository doorway; opening times vary by event and should be confirmed in advance.
Nenbutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神戸市北区有馬町1641
Visiting Status Normally viewable (8:30–17:00)
NobilityRefinementPeacefulness
The wooden standing Amida Nyorai is the principal image of Nenbutsuji Temple in Arima Onsen. Dating to the Kamakura period, it was designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Kobe City in 2025. Its refined face, well-balanced proportions, and skillfully carved drapery reveal a high level of craftsmanship, and the temple traditionally attributes the image to Kaikei. The Main Hall, built in 1712, is regarded as the oldest surviving building in Arima Onsen, and the Amida image remains the focus of daily worship.
Jinshakuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県神崎郡福崎町東田原1891
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled once every 60 years)
PeacefulnessNobilityDepth
The wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Jinshakuji Temple. Dating to the Heian period, it stands 88.5 cm high and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Temple tradition holds that the image was carved by the founding monk Keiho himself, and its gentle, full-bodied form is regarded as representative of Fujiwara-period Buddhist sculpture in the Harima region. The image is now kept as a hidden Buddha in the Kaisando Hall north of the Main Hall and is unveiled only once every 60 years. A special unveiling was held in 2014 and drew many worshippers.
Mayasan Tenjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon, Fudo Myo-o, and Bishamonten Category Bodhisattva, Wisdom King, and Deva
兵庫県神戸市灘区摩耶山町2-12
Visiting Status Hidden images (unveiled once every 33 years; most recently in May and August 2019, with the timing of the next unveiling not officially confirmed)
MysterySolemnityNobility
Three hidden images are enshrined inside the inner sanctuary of Mayasan Tenjoji Temple’s Main Hall: the principal deity, Eleven-Faced Kannon, together with Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten. The shrine doors are normally kept firmly closed and are opened only once every 33 years. The most recent unveiling took place from May 1–15 and August 1–15, 2019. Eleven-Faced Kannon is venerated as a hidden deity for protection from misfortune, good fortune, and the guardianship of women, and is a central symbol of faith on Mount Maya. The temple itself is normally open for worship from 9:00 to 17:00.
Futatabisan Tairyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Bosatsu (traditionally identified as Nyoirin Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県神戸市中央区神戸港地方再度山1-3
Visiting Status Advance confirmation recommended (reported to be unveiled on the 21st of each month; confirm the current schedule with the temple)
NobilityRefinementDepth
The wooden standing Bodhisattva, traditionally identified as Nyoirin Kannon, is the principal image of Futatabisan Tairyuji Temple. Dating to the late Nara period, it stands about 180 cm high and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Carved mainly from a single block of cypress with partial use of dry-lacquer techniques, it preserves an archaic sculptural style. Kobe City describes it as the oldest Buddhist statue in the city, while the temple’s official guide introduces it as the oldest wooden Buddhist image in Hyogo Prefecture. It has been reported to be unveiled on the 21st of each month, but visitors should confirm the current schedule in advance.
Sekiganji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Kongo Rikishi Statues (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
兵庫県丹波市山南町岩屋2
Visiting Status Usually open to visitors (8:30–16:30; enshrined in the Niomon Gate)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The wooden Kongo Rikishi statues (Agyo and Ungyo) are enshrined in the Niomon Gate of Sekiganji Temple. Dated to 1242 and created by Higo Hokkyō Jōkei, both figures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. During the wars of the late Sengoku period, most of the temple complex was destroyed by fire, while the gate survived. The pair still stand on either side of the entrance, displaying taut physiques and dynamic poses characteristic of Kamakura-period guardian sculpture. They can be viewed directly during temple visiting hours.
Mirokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Maitreya Buddha and Two Attendant Figures Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県姫路市夢前町寺1051
Visiting Status Main Hall viewing available (9:00–17:00; ¥500 per person for groups of 2 or more, ¥1,000 for a single visitor; advance confirmation recommended)
GentlenessRefinementStillness
The wooden Maitreya Buddha and two attendant figures are enshrined in the Main Hall of Mirokuji Temple. The central seated Maitreya, carved from a single block of wood, is 93.5 cm high and dates to the mid-Heian period. An inscription on the back records that painting began in 999, while temple tradition attributes the work to Anchin, a disciple of Shoku Shonin. The two standing attendants measure about 113–114 cm. All three figures are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Their narrow eyes, small mouths, and light, balanced proportions create a gentle and refined appearance, and the triad can be viewed together inside the Main Hall.
Enjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon Images (Two Figures) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県淡路市佐野1205
Visiting Status Hidden images (generally unveiled once a year on April 10 during the unveiling prayer festival)
NobilityMysteryStillness
Two wooden standing Sho Kannon images are enshrined as the principal images of Enjoji Temple. Hyogo Prefecture educational records date the pair to the late Heian period, and both are designated Important Tangible Cultural Properties of Hyogo Prefecture. Enjoji is the inner temple of Hachijoji, and the images are normally kept hidden. They are unveiled to the public once a year on April 10 during the temple's unveiling prayer festival, offering a rare opportunity to worship ancient Kannon images dating back roughly a thousand years.
Kokeji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県明石市太寺2-10-35
Visiting Status Hidden image (normally unveiled once every eight years on Culture Day, November 3; special openings may also be held)
PeacefulnessRefinementStillness
The wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai is the principal image of Kokeji Temple's Main Hall. The 83 cm-high joined-block wooden statue dates to the late Heian period and displays 12th-century characteristics in its calm, well-balanced form and shallow, flowing drapery. It is designated an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture. The image is normally kept hidden; Akashi City materials state that it is generally unveiled once every eight years on Culture Day, November 3. The rare unveiling offers a chance to worship this late-Heian principal image inside what is regarded as the oldest surviving Buddhist hall in Akashi.
Tennyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Mokujiki Myoman's Seishi Bosatsu and Kannon Bosatsu Statues Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
兵庫県川辺郡猪名川町万善字寺ノ下通29
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (book at least one day in advance; same-day visits without reservation are not accepted; admission free)
GentlenessWarmthStillness
Tennyuji Temple preserves two statues carved by the itinerant monk-sculptor Mokujiki Myoman: Seishi Bodhisattva and Kannon Bodhisattva. The pair were carved from a single pine log split lengthwise, and when placed back-to-back they fit together precisely. The temple also preserves a self-portrait statue by Mokujiki; the three works are collectively designated Important Tangible Cultural Properties of Hyogo Prefecture. Viewing is available by reservation made at least one day in advance.