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Shomokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wood-Core Dry-Lacquer Standing Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県府中市本山町1201
Visiting Status Viewable by advance contact (normally closed to the public)
PurityNobilityStillness
Shomokuji Temple preserves a pair of wood-core dry-lacquer standing Nikko and Gakko Bosatsu. Both date to the early Heian period in the 9th century and stand 88 cm tall. Each is carved from a single wooden core, covered with cloth, and finished with layers of lacquer in the mokushin kanshitsu technique. Although the surface finish has largely flaked away, both are said to have originally been gilded. As a rare pair preserving the style of early Heian Buddhist sculpture, both are designated Important Cultural Properties of Hiroshima Prefecture. They are normally closed to the public but may be viewed by contacting the temple in advance.
Sennenji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Amida Nyorai in Half-Lotus Pose Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県広島市安佐南区伴中央4丁目7-18
Visiting Status Viewable only on New Year's Day (normally closed to the public)
WarmthRefinementPeacefulness
This wooden Amida Nyorai in a half-lotus pose is preserved at Sennenji Temple. Believed to date from the late Muromachi to Momoyama period, it is a joined-wood sculpture measuring 33 cm in height, with a 13 cm pedestal. The unusual pose lowers one leg so that the foot rests on a small lotus support. Despite its small scale, the folds of the robe, lotus petals, and pedestal decoration are carefully carved. It is designated an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hiroshima City. Normally closed to the public, Hiroshima City's official information states that it may be viewed only on New Year's Day.
Magai Wareishi Jizo
Buddhist Image Seated Jizo Bosatsu Relief Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
広島県三原市鷺浦町向田港
Visiting Status Open year-round and viewable at any time (the full image can be seen from the front at low tide)
MysteryDepthWarmth
A seated Jizo Bosatsu is carved in relief on a massive granite boulder at the water's edge beside Mukoda Port on Sagi Island. The rock measures about 2.7–2.8 m high and 4.7–5 m wide, while the image is about 95–96 cm tall. Jizo holds a monk's staff in the right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left, with flower vases and inscriptions carved on either side. An inscription records its creation in 1300 by more than seventy devotees led by Taira no Shigemori, with the sculptor named Nenshin. It is among the oldest dated coastal Jizo images in the Seto Inland Sea region and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima Prefecture. At high tide the sea rises to the shoulders or near the face, while at low tide the entire figure can be viewed from the front.
Jokokuji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
広島県広島市中区土橋町2-4
Visiting Status Temple visits are permitted; advance confirmation is recommended for viewing the designated image
RefinementPeacefulnessNobility
This wooden standing Amida Nyorai has been preserved at Jokokuji Temple since the temple's earlier period in Yoshida. It was designated an Important Tangible Cultural Property of Hiroshima City in 2025. Hiroshima City's investigation dates it to the late Heian period in the 12th century. Carved from hinoki cypress, it has carved eyes, split-and-hollowed single-block construction, and a lacquer-and-gold-leaf finish. The figure measures 96.3 cm in height and 147.6 cm overall. Its drapery, facial features, and bodily proportions exemplify the refined Japanese style of the late Heian period; despite some later replacements, it is considered exceptionally well preserved. The temple's official website states that the image from the Yoshida period is enshrined in a Japanese-style room on the first floor. Temple visits are possible, but advance confirmation is recommended for viewing the designated sculpture.
Suo Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県防府市国分寺町2-67
Visiting Status Hall viewing 9:00–16:00 (closed Mondays; admission fee)
DignitySolemnityDepth
The seated Yakushi Nyorai, principal image of Suo Kokubunji, is enshrined at the center of the main hall's altar. Believed to have been made when the hall was rebuilt in 1421, this Muromachi-period statue is 195.1 cm high and made of joined Japanese cypress wood. Holding a medicine jar in its left hand, it retains its period halo and pedestal and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Many other statues, including Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas and the Four Heavenly Kings, stand in the hall, which visitors can enter for a fee.
Amidaji Temple (Todaiji Branch Temple)
Buddhist Image Standing Nio (Kongorikishi) Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
山口県防府市大字牟礼上坂本1869
Visiting Status Viewable at the Niomon Gate (grounds free except during June's hydrangea festival)
PowerDignitySolemnity
A pair of Kongorikishi guardian statues stand on either side of the Niomon Gate of Amidaji, a branch temple of Todaiji founded by Chogen in 1187. Dating to the early Kamakura period, they are attributed to sculptors of the Kaikei school. Carved from joined cypress wood with inset crystal eyes, the open-mouthed Agyo is about 270 cm tall and the closed-mouthed Ungyo about 275 cm. Designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, they can be viewed up close at the gate. Together with the thatched gate, they recall the temple's close ties to the rebuilding of Todaiji.
Ryuzoji Temple
Buddhist Image Great Blue Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
山口県山口市吉敷1750
Visiting Status Viewable on temple grounds (Apr–Oct 7:00–17:30; Nov–Mar 7:00–17:00)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The Great Blue Fudo Myoo is a statue about 10 meters tall standing in the grounds of Ryuzoji, a historic temple in Yamaguchi City. This large blue figure embodies devotion to Fudo Myoo, believed to cut through confusion and worldly attachments and guide people toward the right path. Ryuzoji continues a tradition of mountain ascetic practice. Every February, a firewalking rite is performed before the statue, where worshippers pray for good health and the fulfillment of their wishes. Visitors can see the powerful figure directly in the grounds.
Suo Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県防府市国分寺町2-67
Visiting Status Hall viewing 9:00–16:00 (closed Mondays; admission fee)
GentlenessNobilityRefinement
Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas stand on either side of the principal Yakushi Nyorai in Suo Kokubunji's main hall. Both wooden statues date from the Heian period and are carved from single pieces of cypress. Nikko is 180 cm tall and Gakko 179 cm. Unlike the usual mirror-image arrangement of attendant figures, these two have nearly identical poses. Their gentle expressions and graceful forms are especially striking. Both are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and can be seen together with the principal image during paid admission to the hall.
Rurikoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県山口市香山町7-1
Visiting Status Normally hidden; special guided viewing on selected dates, Oct–Dec 2026, advance reservation required
MysteryStillnessSolemnity
A seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined inside the first story of Rurikoji's five-story pagoda, a National Treasure. Ouchi Morimi built the pagoda to commemorate his elder brother Ouchi Yoshihiro; an inscription dated 1442 survives, establishing it as Muromachi-period architecture. The interior is normally closed, but a reservation-only guided tour on selected dates from October to December 2026 allows close viewing of the Amida image, a seated portrait of Lord Ouchi Yoshihiro after entering Buddhist life, and the circular altar. The Amida image is described as a Heian-period work, but its precise date and sculptor are unknown.
Saichoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県大島郡周防大島町大字日見973
Visiting Status Inside viewing Sat, Sun and holidays 9:00–17:00 (subject to temple schedule); also visible through a window
DignityPeacefulnessSolemnity
The wooden seated Amida Nyorai at Saichoji is affectionately known as the Himi Great Buddha on Suo-Oshima Island. Believed to date to the late Heian period, around the 12th century, the imposing statue is 284 cm high. Made of joined cypress wood with a lacquer-and-gold finish, it has a dignified expression and broad proportions. Its original halo and pedestal also survive. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it can be viewed inside the hall on weekends and public holidays according to the temple, or through a window from outside.
Kozanji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県下関市長府川端1丁目2-3
Visiting Status Normally closed; Buddha Hall opened for the Kannon festival on 17 May 2026. Check future opening dates.
GentlenessMysterySolemnity
A seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in the Buddha Hall of Kozanji, a designated National Treasure. The temple was founded in 1320, and its Buddha Hall is a rare surviving example of late-Kamakura Zen architecture. The image preserves the temple's longstanding Kannon devotion. The temple's listing with the Chugoku Kannon Pilgrimage states that the hall opened for the Kannon festival on 17 May 2026, when the Kannon Sutra was recited. Visitors must check special opening dates, as ordinary admission does not include access to this image.
Suo Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Four Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten) Category Tenbu (Deva)
山口県防府市国分寺町2-67
Visiting Status Hall viewing 9:00–16:00 (closed Mondays; admission fee)
PowerDignitySolemnity
The Four Heavenly Kings stand at the corners of the altar in Suo Kokubunji's main hall, protecting Yakushi Nyorai at its center. Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten are Heian-period statues, each carved from a single piece of cypress and designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. All four exceed two meters in height. Wearing armor and trampling demons beneath their feet, their fierce gazes and dynamic poses express their duty to defend Buddhism. Visitors to the hall can see the powerful group together with the principal Yakushi image and its attendants Nikko and Gakko.
Gankiji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県山陽小野田市大字有帆2289
Visiting Status Hidden image; unveiled only on 18 February each year (2026 opening has passed)
MysterySolemnityDepth
The wooden standing Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is enshrined in Kannon Hall at Gankiji. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 806. The temple preserves seven Buddhist statues dating from the middle Heian to early Kamakura periods. The Thousand-Armed Kannon is one of this group of images designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is unveiled only on 18 February each year, together with seated Shaka and Amida Nyorai statues. Although it is not normally viewable, the annual opening offers a rare chance to worship this historic wooden image directly.
Anyoji Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県下関市豊浦町大字厚母郷541
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (inside the Great Buddha Hall; ask the temple for viewing hours)
DignityDepthPeacefulness
A wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall of Anyoji. Locally it is affectionately known as the Atsumo Great Buddha or the Black Buddha of Anyoji. Believed to date from the late Heian period, around the 12th century, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property is 269.1 cm high and made from joined camphor wood. Its right hand is raised before the chest and its left rests on the knee, forming the jobon-gesho mudra. Shallow folds in the robes, low knees and fine curls of hair are characteristic of its period; the halo and pedestal were added later. The hall, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, provides a tranquil setting in which to worship the imposing Amida image.
Suo Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Nio (Kongorikishi) Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
山口県防府市国分寺町2-67
Visiting Status Viewable at the Niomon Gate (temple grounds free)
PowerDignitySolemnity
A pair of wooden Kongorikishi guardians stands on either side of the Niomon Gate at Suo Kokubunji. The open-mouthed Agyo is 348.5 cm high and the closed-mouthed Ungyo is 339.0 cm high, making them imposing figures believed to date to the Muromachi period. Both are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Hofu City. Their muscular bodies and dramatic poses express their role as protectors of the sacred grounds and welcome visitors approaching the temple. Standing at the gate, they can be worshipped from the grounds without paying for admission to the main hall.
Kurusonzan Shuzenji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県下関市豊田町杢路子2643
Visiting Status Hidden image; unveiling ceremony at the Inner Sanctuary on 17 October 2026 from 12:00
MysteryStillnessNobility
Sho Kanzeon Bosatsu is enshrined in the Inner Sanctuary's Sho Kannon Hall at Kurusonzan Shuzenji. Temple tradition attributes the statue to Gyoki, who is said to have practiced on this mountain in 741, although its sculptor and date cannot be established as historical facts. According to the temple's history, the image was stolen in the late Meiji period but was returned in 1931. Worship continues at this mountain Kannon sanctuary, and the temple's official schedule specifies an unveiling ceremony at 12:00 on 17 October 2026. Visitors must walk mountain paths to reach the hall.
Joeiji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県山口市宮野下2001-1
Visiting Status Main Hall open for worship (Apr–Oct 8:00–17:00; Nov–Mar 8:00–16:30; admission charged). Ask about close viewing of the statue
NobilityRefinementStillness
The seated Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu is the principal image in the Main Hall of Joeiji, famous for its Sesshu Garden. It is believed originally to have been the principal image of Kokuseiji Temple, founded by Ouchi Morimi in 1407. Together with eleven other images at Joeiji, it is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamaguchi City. The group reflects the techniques and style of sculptors of the Inpa school active in the Nanbokucho and Muromachi periods, and portions of the original coloring remain. It is a rare testament to the Buddhist patronage of the Ouchi clan. Visitors may enter the Main Hall to worship and view the garden to its north.
Hannyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県熊毛郡平生町宇佐木1166
Visiting Status Public worship at the Kannon Goma ceremony every 7th day of the month at 14:00 (confirm schedule changes); grounds 8:00–17:00
GentlenessPeacefulnessStillness
Hannyaji is said to have been founded to pray for Princess Hannya, who, according to legend, sacrificed herself at sea to save others. Its Kannon Hall enshrines Sho Kannon Bosatsu, regarded as an embodiment of the princess. According to temple tradition, Eji established the temple at the request of Emperor Yomei, and mariners crossing the Obatake Strait long came here to pray. A Kannon Goma fire ritual continues in the hall at 14:00 on the seventh of each month, with the public welcome to take part. The date and sculptor of the image have not been confirmed.
Hokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県山口市徳地鯖河内1444
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (inside Amida Hall; public viewing dates and conditions not verified)
NobilityDepthSolemnity
A wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined in the Amida Hall of Hokoji. The image has been preserved in a surviving part of the former Anyoji Temple, built around the time Chogen sought timber from the forests of Suo Province for the rebuilding of Todaiji. It is believed to have been made around the end of the 12th century, early in the Kamakura period. Standing 128.7 cm high, it uses traditional joined-cypress construction. Its gentle expression contrasts with broad shoulders and boldly carved robe folds. Parts of its original pedestal and halo survive. Together with four other images in the hall, including an Eleven-Faced Kannon, Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten, it forms a group designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Myokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Enma Daio Category Other
山口県下松市大字下谷50
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (ask the temple about viewing and access to Shingetsu Enma Hall)
DignityTense PresencePower
A wooden seated Enma Daio is enshrined in Shingetsu Enma Hall at Myokoji, a Soto Zen temple in Kudamatsu. The temple's official website describes it as one of the largest joined-wood statues of Enma in western Japan. A consecration ceremony was held in December 2018 and reported in the local press. In Buddhism, Enma is known as the judge of the actions of the dead, and the imposing figure invites reflection on how one lives. Myokoji was founded in 1960 and welcomes worshippers, also introducing the images in its main hall and Kannon statues on the grounds. Visitors must confirm the conditions for entering Enma Hall in advance.