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Manpukuji Temple
Buddhist Image Rahula among the Eighteen Arhats Category Other
京都府宇治市五ケ庄三番割34
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–17:00; last admission 16:30)
MysteryDignityDepth
Inside Manpukuji’s National Treasure Daiyuhoden stands a celebrated image of Rahula among the Eighteen Arhats. Manpukuji preserves the Ming-dynasty temple format of eighteen arhats, adding Qingyou and Pindola to the traditional sixteen. Rahula is especially famous for the extraordinary gesture of pulling open his chest with both hands to reveal the face of a Buddha within. The image vividly embodies the Chinese Buddhist culture transmitted by the Obaku school and can be viewed during regular temple hours.
Zenjoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府綴喜郡宇治田原町大字禅定寺小字庄地100
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (Treasure Hall 9:00–16:00)
NobilityRefinementStillness
Zenjoji’s Treasure Hall preserves standing figures of Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu, both designated Important Cultural Properties. Nikko is about 203 cm high and Gakko about 208 cm, both large polychrome sculptures carved principally from single blocks of wood. They are considered roughly contemporary with the temple’s late-10th-century principal Eleven-Faced Kannon and convey the powerful mass of early Buddhist sculpture in southern Yamashiro. The pair can be viewed together during regular Treasure Hall hours.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image 1,200 Rakan Stone Statues Category Other
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本深谷町2-5
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–16:00; closed Wednesdays and Saturdays)
WarmthPeacefulnessDepth
About 1,200 stone Rakan figures fill the grounds of Otagi Nenbutsuji. During the temple’s restoration, ordinary worshippers carved the statues themselves over roughly ten years from 1980 under the guidance of Buddhist sculptor and priest Nishimura Kocho. Each figure is different—smiling, praying, holding instruments or posing playfully—creating a rare devotional landscape in which the Buddha’s disciples feel vividly human and approachable. Though modern, the ensemble was born directly from communal participation and prayer and has no close parallel in Kyoto.
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Buddhist Images and Memorial Stones (about 8,000) Category Other
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本化野町17
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (Mar–Nov admission 9:00–16:30; Dec–Feb 9:00–15:30)
StillnessMysteryDepth
Adashino was historically a place of exposure burial. From the Meiji period onward, unclaimed stone Buddhist images and memorial stones scattered across the area were gathered at Adashino Nenbutsuji’s Sai-no-Kawara. Today roughly 8,000 stone figures and monuments stand densely together. Rather than centering on one celebrated sculpture, the site turns centuries of anonymous memorial prayer into an overwhelming landscape of Buddhist images. Each August, lamps are offered to the stones during the Sento Kuyo memorial service.
Nenbutsuji Temple (Yamanouchi)
Buddhist Image Reclining Buddha (about 6 m) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市右京区山ノ内宮前町12番地
Visiting Status Open for regular worship (10:00–15:00)
PeacefulnessSolemnityStillness
In the ossuary hall at the rear of Nenbutsuji in Kyoto’s Yamanouchi district lies a reclining Buddha about six meters long. The Kyoto Prefectural Tourism Federation introduces it as the largest reclining Buddha in Kyoto. Its monumental depiction of Shakyamuni entering nirvana is encountered within a quiet place of memorial prayer, directly linking the image of the Buddha’s passing with the temple’s role in caring for the dead. Its strength lies not in antiquity but in the scale and immediacy of the devotional experience.
Rokuharamitsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Jizo Bosatsu (Yumemi Jizo) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府京都市東山区ロクロ町81-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Reiwakan 9:00–16:15 / last admission 16:00)
NobilityMysteryDepth
Rokuharamitsuji’s Reiwakan displays an Important Cultural Property wooden seated Jizo Bosatsu from the Kamakura period. Temple tradition attributes the statue to Unkei, and it was formerly the principal image of Juurin-in, the ancestral temple of Unkei’s family. Known as “Yumemi Jizo,” it is especially admired for its refined, handsome face and the varied, lively folds of its robes. At Juurin-in it was enshrined together with seated portraits of Unkei and Tankei, linking the image closely to the faith of the Kei-school sculptors. The original statue can normally be viewed in Reiwakan from 9:00 to 16:15.
Koryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Twelve Heavenly Generals (traditionally attributed to Chosei) Category Tenbu (Deva)
京都府京都市右京区太秦蜂岡町32
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Treasure Hall; March–November 9:00–17:00 / December–February 9:00–16:30; open daily)
DignityPowerTense Presence
Koryuji’s Treasure Hall displays the National Treasure set of twelve wooden Heavenly Generals, dated to 1064 and traditionally attributed to the sculptor Chosei. These guardian figures of Yakushi Nyorai appear as armed warriors, each with a distinct stance and expression while retaining the composed character of late-Heian sculpture. Displayed year-round alongside Koryuji’s celebrated Buddhist sculptures, the complete group offers an unusually direct encounter with a major Heian guardian ensemble.
Gochizan Rengeji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Five Wisdom Tathagatas (Yakushi, Hosho, Dainichi, Amida and Shaka Nyorai) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市右京区御室大内20
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing; free admission (8:00–17:00; until 16:00 from Nov–Feb)
SolemnityStillnessDepth
In the grounds of Gochizan Rengeji, east of Ninnaji, stand five monumental stone Buddhas representing the Five Wisdom Tathagatas: Yakushi, Hosho, Dainichi, Amida and Shaka Nyorai. Traditionally carved by the ascetic sculptor Mokujiki Tansho in the early Edo period, the five large figures form a striking row. Eleven additional seated Kannon images bring the stone ensemble to sixteen figures, creating a distinctive open-air Buddhist space. Freely accessible during normal hours, it is one of Kyoto’s most memorable stone-Buddha sites.
Seiryoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Statues of the Ten Great Disciples Category Other
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨釈迦堂藤ノ木町46
Visiting Status Limited-period viewing (October 1–November 30, 2026; 9:00–16:30 scheduled)
WarmthDepthRefinement
Seiryoji’s Treasure Hall preserves an Important Cultural Property group of ten wooden statues representing Shakyamuni’s great disciples, made in the Heian period. Originally arranged around the temple’s principal standing Shaka Nyorai, figures such as Purna and Rahula are portrayed with unusually individual, lively expressions. Their strongly human faces and distinct personalities differ from the idealized calm of many Buddha and Bodhisattva images, revealing the expressive breadth of Heian Buddhist sculpture. The group is scheduled to be on view from October 1 through November 30, 2026.
Byodoin Temple
Buddhist Image 26 Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu (National Treasure; from the complete group of 52) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府宇治市宇治蓮華116
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (Hoshokan 9:00–17:00; last admission 16:45; open daily)
SolemnityNobilityMystery
Byodoin Museum Hoshokan displays 26 of the 52 National Treasure Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu, the celestial worshipping bodhisattvas that adorn the Pure Land imagery of the Phoenix Hall. The complete group is a uniquely preserved ensemble of eleventh-century Buddhist sculpture. Each figure rides a cloud and appears in a different pose—playing music, dancing, praying or making offerings—creating an extraordinarily lively vision of Amida’s paradise. Seen at close range in the museum, details that are difficult to appreciate high inside the Phoenix Hall become clearly visible.
Koryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Miroku Bosatsu in Half-Seated Pose (Naki Miroku, “Weeping Miroku”) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府京都市右京区太秦蜂岡町32
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Treasure Hall; March–November 9:00–17:00 / December–February 9:00–16:30; open daily)
DepthStillnessMystery
Koryuji’s Treasure Hall houses a second National Treasure wooden Miroku Bosatsu in a half-seated pose, distinct from the famous crown-wearing Miroku designated as Japan’s first National Treasure sculpture. This Asuka-period image, carved from a single piece of camphor wood and about 90 cm high, is popularly called the “Weeping Miroku” because its lowered gaze and expression seem touched by tears. Its introspective mood contrasts strikingly with the quiet smile of the better-known Miroku, making the chance to compare the two ancient masterpieces especially compelling.
Koryuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府京都市右京区太秦蜂岡町32
Visiting Status Regular viewing available (Treasure Hall; March–November 9:00–17:00 / December–February 9:00–16:30; open daily)
SolemnityNobilityStillness
Koryuji’s Treasure Hall displays the National Treasure wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon from the Heian period. Built in joined-wood construction, the monumental figure presents the many-armed form of Kannon on an impressive scale, combining a strong frontal presence with the refined dignity and volume characteristic of Heian Buddhist sculpture. Shown year-round alongside the temple’s Miroku images and Twelve Heavenly Generals, it is one of the major works that reveals the extraordinary depth of Koryuji’s sculpture collection.
Seiryoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Tobatsu Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)
京都府京都市右京区嵯峨釈迦堂藤ノ木町46
Visiting Status Limited-period viewing (April–May and October–November; autumn 2026 scheduled for Oct 1–Nov 30, 9:00–16:30)
DignityPowerMystery
Seiryoji’s Treasure Hall preserves an Important Cultural Property wooden standing Tobatsu Bishamonten from the Heian period. This distinctive form of Bishamonten stands out among the temple’s Heian Buddhist sculptures. It is shown during the Treasure Hall’s spring and autumn openings together with major works such as the Amida triad, the Ten Great Disciples and the Four Heavenly Kings. In autumn 2026, the Treasure Hall is scheduled to open from October 1 through November 30, offering a rare chance to encounter this unusual guardian image in person.
Koshoji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Sho Kannon (Tenarai Kannon) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府宇治市宇治山田27-1
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (10:00–16:00; visitors may open the door and enter Shido-den Hall)
GentlenessDepthRefinement
Koshoji Temple in Uji enshrines this Uji City-designated wooden standing Sho Kannon in Shido-den Hall. Dating to the mid-Heian period, the single-block wooden image stands 166.7 cm tall. Temple tradition attributes it to Ono no Takamura, and it is known as the “Tenarai Kannon” because it was once worshipped at a Kannon hall associated with the Tenarai chapter of The Tale of Genji’s Uji chapters. Its full-sized, weighty form and quiet expression are especially striking. The temple explains that the slightly raised right big toe symbolizes readiness to hurry to those in distress. The hall is normally accessible during visiting hours.
Sourinji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府京都市東山区下河原鷲尾町527
Visiting Status Open for regular viewing (9:00–16:00; open daily, though viewing may be unavailable during services)
DignityDepthStillness
Sourinji Temple near Maruyama Park in Higashiyama enshrines an Important Cultural Property wooden seated Yakushi Nyorai in its main hall. Dating to the Heian period, it is a life-sized image carved principally from a single block of kaya wood. Its high ushnisha, full cheeks and shoulders, substantial body, and strongly modeled rolling robe folds give the figure the powerful volume characteristic of early Heian sculpture. Temple tradition attributes the image to the founder Saicho, and it has long been worshipped as the principal image. As the seventh temple of the Kyoto Twelve Yakushi pilgrimage, it can normally be viewed from 9:00 to 16:00.
Zenporitsuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Crowned Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
京都府八幡市八幡馬場88-1
Visiting Status Regular viewing available by advance reservation / special openings Nov 14–21 and Nov 28–29, 2026
NobilityMysteryRefinement
Zenporitsuji’s inner Amida Hall enshrines a Yawata City-designated wooden seated Crowned Amida Nyorai as its principal image. Dating to the Nanbokucho period, the image is unusual for depicting Amida wearing a jeweled crown. It is said to have been transferred from Gokurakuji at the tongu of Iwashimizu Hachimangu to Zenporitsuji during the early Meiji separation of Buddhism and Shinto. The statue preserves an important trace of the syncretic Buddhist culture once associated with the shrine. Viewing is normally possible by advance reservation, with additional public openings scheduled for November 14–21 and November 28–29, 2026.
Tokurinan Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Jizo Bosatsu (Yamashina Jizo) Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
京都府京都市山科区四ノ宮泉水町16
Visiting Status Open for regular worship (visible through the Jizo Hall doors throughout the day) / Kyoto Six Jizo pilgrimage every Aug 22–23
WarmthDepthSolemnity
The wooden standing Jizo known as Yamashina Jizo is enshrined in Tokurinan’s hexagonal hall along the old Tokaido road. It is one of Kyoto’s Six Jizo images guarding the historic approaches to the capital. Temple tradition says it was one of six Jizo figures carved by Ono no Takamura from a large cherry tree in 852. The standing image is about three meters tall and has been preserved through repeated restoration over centuries. It can normally be worshipped through the hall doors throughout the day, and each August 22–23 it becomes one of the principal images of Kyoto’s centuries-old Six Jizo pilgrimage.
Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Head Temple Kongobu-ji
Buddhist Image Mahavairocana (Dainichi Nyorai) of the Womb Realm Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山152
Visiting Status Normally open to visitors (temporary closures may occur for ceremonies or maintenance)
SolemnityDignityMystery
Konpon Daito was conceived by Kobo Daishi Kukai as a symbol of the central training ground of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism and is said to have been completed in the time of Shinzen Daitoku. The principal image, Mahavairocana of the Womb Realm, is surrounded by the Four Buddhas of the Diamond Realm. The sixteen pillars bear paintings of the Sixteen Great Bodhisattvas by Domoto Insho, while portraits of the Eight Patriarchs appear on the four corner walls, making the entire interior a three-dimensional mandala. The present tower was rebuilt in 1937 and the building is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The interior is normally open to visitors, though temporary closures may occur for ceremonies or maintenance.
Dojoji
Buddhist Image Thousand-Armed Kannon, Nikko Bosatsu, and Gakko Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県日高郡日高川町鐘巻1738
Visiting Status Open year-round (9:00–17:00; no regular closing days)
SolemnityGentlenessDepth
The Treasure Hall of Dojoji, regarded as Wakayama Prefecture’s oldest temple, enshrines a National Treasure triad centered on the Thousand-Armed Kannon with Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu. Dating to the early Heian period, the 3.20 m Kannon and Nikko are carved from single cypress blocks, while Gakko is carved from kaya wood. More than twenty Buddhist statues can be viewed at close range throughout the year.
Negoroji
Buddhist Image Dainichi Nyorai, Kongosatta, and Sonsho Butcho Category Other
和歌山県岩出市根来2286
Visiting Status Normally open (Apr–Oct 9:10–16:30; Nov–Mar 9:10–16:00; may be unavailable during ceremonies)
SolemnityDignityDepth
Daidenpodo is the main hall of Negoroji, head temple of the Shingi Shingon school. It enshrines a triad centered on Dainichi Nyorai, flanked by Kongosatta and Sonsho Butcho. Inscriptions inside the images show that the triad was made from the late 14th to early 15th century and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The present Daidenpodo was raised in 1824 and completed in 1827; the building itself was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2019. Visitors can normally worship the triad inside, though access may be restricted during ceremonies.