Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Kimiidera (Kongohoji Gokokuin)
Buddhist Image Great Thousand-Armed Eleven-Faced Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県和歌山市紀三井寺1201
Visiting Status Normally open to visitors
SolemnityGentlenessPower
A monumental wooden Kannon enshrined in Kimiidera’s Butsuden. Consecrated in 2008, the statue stands over 11 meters high and is said to be Japan’s largest standing wooden statue. It was created by Buddhist sculptor Matsumoto Myokei. Visitors can view the immense image at close range.
Muryokoji
Buddhist Image Head Buddha (Vairocana) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
和歌山県和歌山市吹上5丁目1-35
Visiting Status Accessible on the temple grounds (7:00–16:30; no regular closing days)
PowerWarmthDepth
A striking Buddha head about three meters high on the grounds of Muryokoji in Wakayama City. After a large bronze Buddha at the former Daifukuji burned, its melted bronze was reused in an attempt to create a successor. Only the head of Vairocana was completed. It was later moved to Muryokoji and is now affectionately known as the Head Buddha.
Sukuma Kannon
Buddhist Image Bato Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県西牟婁郡上富田町生馬313
Visiting Status Temple normally open; secret principal image unveiled only once every 12 years, on the first Horse Day of the lunar calendar in a Year of the Horse
MysteryPowerDepth
An old temple near the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route, with its main hall integrated into a huge rock cavern. The principal image is Bato Kannon. Temple tradition links the name Sukuma Kannon to Oguri Hangan, whose horse was said to have been saved here in 1426. The principal image is secret and is unveiled only once every 12 years, on the first Horse Day of the lunar calendar in a Year of the Horse. The main hall itself is normally open to worshippers.
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
Buddhist Image Kujaku Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山306
Visiting Status Viewable when on display (rotating exhibitions)
NobilityRefinementMystery
An Important Cultural Property of Japan preserved by the Koyasan Reihokan Museum. Created by Kaikei, a leading sculptor of the Kamakura period, Kujaku Myoo is depicted seated on a peacock with refined and elegant modeling. It is one of Koyasan’s representative Buddhist sculptures, but displays rotate, so visitors should check current exhibition information before visiting.
Koyasan Reihokan Museum
Buddhist Image Eight Attendant Boys Category Other
和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山306
Visiting Status Viewable when on display (rotating exhibitions)
Tense PresencePowerRefinement
The National Treasure Eight Attendant Boys preserved by Koyasan Reihokan are attendants of Fudo Myoo. Six of the eight figures date to the Kamakura period and are attributed to Unkei and his workshop; the remaining two are later replacements designated as associated objects of the National Treasure. Their varied expressions and poses exemplify the realism and tension of Kamakura-period sculpture. They are not permanently displayed, so visitors should check current exhibition information.
Chohoji
Buddhist Image Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
和歌山県海南市下津町上689
Visiting Status Normally open (9:00–16:00)
StillnessDignityDepth
The principal Shaka Nyorai of Chohoji, the family temple of the Kishu Tokugawa clan, is enshrined in its National Treasure main hall. The present hall dates to 1311 and combines Japanese and Zen-style architectural elements. Together with the National Treasure gate and pagoda, it forms a rare surviving medieval temple complex open to visitors.
Nachisan Seigantoji
Buddhist Image Nyoirin Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町那智山8
Visiting Status Main hall normally open; secret principal image unveiled on Feb 3, the second Sunday of Apr, and Aug 17
MysterySolemnityDepth
The principal image of Seigantoji, the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage, is Nyoirin Kannon. The main hall beside Kumano Nachi Taisha was rebuilt in 1590 by Toyotomi Hidenaga under orders from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The principal image is secret but is unveiled on Feb 3, the second Sunday of April, and Aug 17. The hall itself is normally open to worshippers.
Fudarakusanji
Buddhist Image Three-Faced Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町浜ノ宮348
Visiting Status Temple normally open; secret principal image unveiled Jan 27, May 17, and Jul 10
MysteryDepthTense Presence
Fudarakusanji is known as a base for Fudaraku tokai, voyages undertaken in belief that Kannon’s Pure Land lay beyond the Kumano Sea. Its unusual three-faced Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon dates to the Heian period. Normally secret, the image can be viewed directly three times a year. A reconstructed Fudaraku boat is also displayed on the grounds.
Shingu Municipal History and Folklore Museum
Buddhist Image Sacred Images Excavated from the Asuka Shrine Precincts (Mt. Horai) Category Other
和歌山県新宮市阿須賀1丁目2-28
Visiting Status Viewable when on display (restored objects are exhibited in rotation)
MysteryDepthStillness
A group of sacred images excavated from Mt. Horai, the sacred mountain of Asuka Shrine. Buddhist figures are represented on mirrors and circular bronze plaques, providing tangible evidence of the syncretism of kami and Buddhism in Kumano from the Heian through Muromachi periods. The 350 excavated objects are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and are preserved by the Shingu Municipal History and Folklore Museum, which displays restored objects in rotation. Although they are not freestanding Buddhist statues, they vividly convey the close relationship between kami and Buddhas in Kumano.
Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Head Temple Kongobu-ji
Buddhist Image Fugen Enmei Bosatsu, Fudo Myo-o, Kongosatta, Kokuzo Bosatsu, Gosanze Myo-o, and Kongo-o Bosatsu Category Other
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; the principal Akshobhya [Yakushi Nyorai] is secret)
SolemnityDignityStillness
Kondo is the main ceremonial hall of Danjo Garan at Koyasan. The present building was completed in 1932. In the inner sanctuary, six figures—Fugen Enmei Bosatsu, Fudo Myoo, Kongosatta, Kokuzo Bosatsu, Gosanze Myoo, and Kongo-o Bosatsu—stand around the secret principal image, Akshobhya (Yakushi Nyorai). The principal image was carved by Takamura Koun and is normally not shown, but the interior of Kondo is normally open, allowing visitors to experience the surrounding esoteric Buddhist images and space. Temporary closures may occur for ceremonies or maintenance.
Kongosanmaiin
Buddhist Image Seated Aizen Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
和歌山県伊都郡高野町高野山425
Visiting Status Normally accessible; principal image visible from outside the hall, while interior access is mainly for worship services
PowerDignityTense Presence
The principal image of Kongosanmaiin, developed by Hojo Masako to pray for Minamoto no Yoritomo and Sanetomo. The 114 cm wooden seated Aizen Myoo dates to the late Kamakura period and is thought to correspond to an image donated in 1318. Its fierce expression and powerful physique are striking. Designated an Important Cultural Property in 2025, it can normally be worshipped from outside through the open front of the hall.
Kokokuji
Buddhist Image Shaka Nyorai and Four Heavenly Kings Category Other
和歌山県日高郡由良町門前801
Visiting Status Reservation viewing available year-round 9:00–17:00; book at least seven weekdays in advance; unavailable during some ceremonies
SolemnityDignityStillness
An old temple established to pray for Minamoto no Sanetomo. The Hatto, rebuilt in 1797, enshrines a golden Shaka Nyorai as its principal image together with the Four Heavenly Kings and numerous other Buddhist statues. Although normally closed inside, a year-round reservation program allows visitors to directly view the images and experience the stately Zen hall.
Kimiidera (Kongohoji Gokokuin)
Buddhist Image Eleven-Faced Kannon, Bonten, Taishakuten, and Bishamonten Category Other
和歌山県和歌山市紀三井寺1201
Visiting Status Regularly open 10:30–15:30 (closed 12:00–12:30; may close for special events)
NobilityRefinementDepth
Daikomyo-den, a repository behind Kimiidera’s main hall, regularly displays four ancient Heian-period sculptures: Important Cultural Properties Eleven-Faced Kannon, Bonten, and Taishakuten, plus Bishamonten. The Kannon is a single-block carving dating to around the 10th–11th century and is traditionally regarded as a stand-in for the secret principal image. These four statues have been regularly displayed since September 2023.
Dojoji
Buddhist Image Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
和歌山県日高郡日高川町鐘巻1738
Visiting Status Normally open (9:00–16:30 except in bad weather; free admission)
GentlenessDepthStillness
At the center of Dojoji’s Main Hall stands a Thousand-Armed Kannon dating to the late Nara period. Made with the wood-core dry-lacquer technique, the 2.4-meter image is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is a rare early image closely connected with the temple’s founding period. The present Main Hall was rebuilt in the medieval period, but the Kannon’s position and height preserve elements of the ancient temple layout. Except in bad weather, the hall is open free of charge from 9:00 to 16:30.
Ryohoji
Buddhist Image Three-Dimensional Nirvana Sculpture Group Category Other
和歌山県和歌山市坂田243-1
Visiting Status Unveiled once a year during the Nirvana observance on Mar 15 (hours should be confirmed)
Tense PresenceDepthStillness
Ryohoji’s Shakado houses an exceptionally rare sculptural ensemble that renders the Buddha’s passing into nirvana in three dimensions. At its center is a 162 cm image of Shaka Nyorai, said to have been made in 1644 by the Buddhist sculptor Ryukei with Miura Tameharu as patron. Bodhisattvas, disciples, heavenly beings, birds, and animals surround the reclining Buddha, turning the world of a nirvana painting into a sculptural scene. The group is opened to the public once a year on Mar 15.
Daisenji
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai, Kannon Bosatsu, and Seishi Bosatsu Category Other
鳥取県西伯郡大山町大山9
Visiting Status Advance application required (open to the public on the 18th of each month from April to November)
SolemnityStillnessDepth
The principal images of Daisenji’s Amida Hall are a large Amida triad. They are said to have been created by the Buddhist sculptor Ryoen between March and June 1131, with Amida Nyorai flanked by Kannon and Seishi Bosatsu. The three statues are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Amida Hall, rebuilt in 1552, is the oldest surviving building at Daisenji. Advance application is required to view the interior, while it is open to the public on the 18th of each month from April through November.
Mitokusan Sanbutsuji
Buddhist Image Zao Gongen Standing Statue Category Other
鳥取県東伯郡三朝町三徳1010
Visiting Status Normally open (Treasure Hall admission is included in the temple entrance offering; one of Japan’s oldest standing Zao Gongen images is shown to the public on July 18)
PowerMysteryTense Presence
The Treasure Hall of Mitokusan Sanbutsuji, a sacred site of Shugendo mountain practice, preserves Buddhist and Shugendo cultural objects handed down at Mount Mitoku. Among them is a standing image of Zao Gongen regarded as one of the oldest examples in Japan; it is specially shown to the public during the summer ceremony on July 18. Sanbutsuji is a mountain temple whose complex includes the late-Heian National Treasure Nageiredo. The Treasure Hall is accessible in the lower precinct, and the temple states that the main hall and Treasure Hall remain visitable even when the pilgrimage route to Nageiredo is closed because of weather or other conditions.
Daisenji
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
鳥取県西伯郡大山町大山
Visiting Status Open April–November, 9:00–17:00 (closed for winter from December 1 through March 31)
GentlenessRefinementNobility
A gilt-bronze Buddhist image from the Hakuho period displayed in Daisenji’s Reihokaku Treasure Museum. The 27.3 cm statue wears a three-sided crown, holds a jewel in its left hand, and stands on a lotus pedestal. Its elongated face bears an archaic smile, and the refined image is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Tradition says it was discovered during ground preparation for the construction of Shimoyama Shrine in the Nanboku-cho period. Formerly enshrined in Daisenji’s main hall, it is now displayed in Reihokaku from April through November and can be viewed at close range.
Daisenji
Buddhist Image Bronze Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
鳥取県西伯郡大山町大山
Visiting Status Open April–November, 9:00–17:00 (closed for winter from December 1 through March 31)
NobilityMysteryStillness
An early-Nara-period gilt-bronze standing Eleven-Headed Kannon handed down at Daisenji. This small 22.7 cm image has suffered damage in repeated fires but retains a simple beauty, particularly in its facial expression. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it evokes the faith of Daisenji’s early period. Tradition says it was discovered while the ground was being prepared for the construction of Shimoyama Shrine in the Nanboku-cho period. It is now displayed in Daisenji’s Reihokaku Treasure Museum from April through November.
Chorakuji
Buddhist Image Yakushi Nyorai, Nikko Bosatsu, and Gakko Bosatsu Category Other
鳥取県日野郡日野町下榎875
Visiting Status Advance reservation required
SolemnityDepthStillness
The Treasure Repository of Chorakuji enshrines its principal Yakushi Nyorai together with standing Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu. The three images are considered works of the Heian period and are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Yakushi holds a medicine jar in his left hand, flanked by the two bodhisattvas. The temple also preserves Important Cultural Property statues of Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten and a set of Twelve Divine Generals designated by Hino Town, allowing visitors to view a notable group of ancient Buddhist images at close range. Advance reservation is required.