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Ikarugadera Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas and Eight Wooden Twelve Heavenly Generals Category Bodhisattvas and Devas
兵庫県揖保郡太子町鵤709
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (Treasure Hall and Shotokuden; 9:00–17:00; admission ¥500)
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The Treasure Hall of Ikarugadera Temple preserves wooden standing Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas together with eight surviving figures of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, all designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Nikko and Gakko statues date to the late Kamakura period and are notable for their slender proportions, subtly turning bodies, and refined faces. The eight Heavenly Generals display sharply carved, highly dynamic poses and survive as part of the guardian group associated with Yakushi Nyorai. The Treasure Hall can be viewed by advance reservation.
Rakanji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Five Hundred Rakan Group (459 figures including a Shaka Triad) Category Other
兵庫県加西市北条町北条1293
Visiting Status Normally open (9:00–17:00; adults ¥200, children ¥100)
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The Hojo Five Hundred Rakan stand together throughout the grounds of Rakanji Temple. A total of 459 stone figures survive, consisting mainly of standing arhats together with a Shaka Triad and other Buddha, bodhisattva, and attendant images. Research by Kasai City places their creation in the early Edo period, and the group was designated a Historic Site of Hyogo Prefecture in 2018. Each figure has a distinct, simple expression, from smiles to solemn faces, and visitors can view the extensive stone ensemble at close range during regular opening hours.
Henshoin Temple (Komyoji Subtemple)
Buddhist Image Bronze Seated Tathagata Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
兵庫県加東市光明寺433
Visiting Status Hidden image (unveiled only during the annual Flower Festival on May 3)
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This bronze seated Buddha is preserved at Henshoin, a subtemple of Komyoji Temple. Although only 24.2 cm high, it retains the distinctive character of early-Heian metal sculpture, with a relatively large head, softly modeled facial features, a broad chest, and a stable seated posture. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is among the oldest cultural treasures preserved at Komyoji. Normally closed to the public, it is unveiled only once a year on May 3 during the Flower Festival.