Find Buddhist Spots
A connection with a Buddha image may appear unexpectedly. Search for places that may lead you to your own My Buddha.
Gentoin Temple
Buddhist Image Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県山口市仁保下郷2075
Visiting Status Open for worship 10:00–17:00; entrance may be closed when the priest is absent. Contact in advance recommended
DignityPeacefulnessSolemnity
The wooden seated Amida Nyorai at Gentoin, known as the Fukano Great Buddha, is designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture. Dating to the 12th century in the late Heian period, this imposing seated statue measures 270 cm in height and is made using joined sections of cypress wood. It has a full, rounded face, broad shoulders and a substantial upper body. Its right hand is raised while its left rests on its knee, forming the jobon-gesho mudra. Originally enshrined at the shrine temple of Fukano Hachimangu, it was moved to Gentoin near the end of the Edo period. The temple welcomes visitors to worship the Great Buddha, but recommends contacting it before visiting because the entrance may be closed when the priest is away.
Nisonin Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai (Two Principal Images) Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県長門市油谷向津具下3539
Visiting Status Special viewing available (apply at temple office; guided to Kengoden Hall by the priest; confirm in advance)
NobilityRefinementSolemnity
The pair of principal images enshrined side by side in Nisonin's Kengoden Hall is a rare arrangement of standing Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai, both designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The Shaka figure is 97.7 cm tall and the Amida 98.3 cm; both are Kamakura-period statues made of joined cypress wood with inset crystal eyes. Shaka follows the Seiryoji style, with rope-like hair and concentric robe folds. An inscription discovered during a 1952 restoration dated the Amida statue to 1268. Temple tradition attributes the foundation to Saicho in 807. In addition to ordinary grounds visits, visitors can apply for a special viewing at the temple office and worship both statues with the priest's guidance.
Nisonin Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Four Heavenly Kings (Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten) Category Tenbu (Deva)
山口県長門市油谷向津具下3539
Visiting Status Special viewing available (apply at temple office; guided to Kengoden Hall by the priest; confirm in advance)
PowerDignitySolemnity
Four wooden Heavenly Kings stand in Nisonin's Kengoden Hall, guarding the pair of principal Buddhas, both Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Jikokuten, Zochoten, Komokuten and Tamonten are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Yamaguchi Prefecture; they measure 58.7, 54.8, 56.5 and 57.4 cm respectively. Believed to date from the Koan era (1278–1287) of the Kamakura period, they are carved from joined cypress wood with crystal eyes and feature vivid body colors and dynamic poses as they trample demons. Their poses, colors and attributes resemble the Four Heavenly Kings once worshipped in Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall, making them rare examples of that sculptural type. They can be worshipped together with the principal images during a special priest-guided viewing in Kengoden Hall.
Suo Kokubunji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Amida Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県防府市国分寺町2-67
Visiting Status Normally closed; viewable during an advance-booked prayer-bead-making activity in Jibutsudo (minimum two people; book by phone at least two days ahead)
GentlenessPeacefulnessRefinement
The wooden seated Amida Nyorai is enshrined in Jibutsudo Hall at Suo Kokubunji. Dating to the 12th century in the late Heian period, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property is approximately 113 cm tall and made of joined cypress wood with a lacquer-and-gold finish. Downcast, compassionate eyes, a gentle expression, softly sloping shoulders and flowing robe folds show the calm elegance of the Jocho style. Both hands form the jobon-gesho mudra; the halo and pedestal were added in later times. Although Jibutsudo is normally closed, visitors may make prayer beads before this important Buddhist statue during a temple-run activity booked in advance.
Toshunji Temple
Buddhist Image Reiwa Great Buddha (COVID-19 Great Buddha) Category Other
山口県山口市水の上町5-27
Visiting Status Open for worship in the grounds (8:00–17:00, free; advance booking required only for the mini-Buddha workshop)
WarmthPowerPeacefulness
The Reiwa Great Buddha, also called the COVID-19 Great Buddha, stands permanently in the rear grounds of Toshunji Temple and is about six meters tall. Created through a project led by artist Shinji Maeda and monk-artist Tenshin Kazama and others, it expresses hopes for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. Its unusual structure is a large wooden, shelf-like Buddha figure filled with miniature Buddha figures made with personal wishes by contributors from across Japan. After traveling around the country, it was installed at Toshunji in 2024. Visitors can see the statue directly in the temple grounds, and those who wish can reserve a mini-Buddha-making workshop to contribute another small figure.
Ryuzoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Dainichi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県山口市吉敷1750
Visiting Status Confirm viewing at the treasure house in advance (may be closed in rainy weather; grounds admission 8:00–17:00, fee charged)
PeacefulnessNobilityRefinement
A wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, is preserved in Ryuzoji's treasure house. Believed to date to the 12th century in the late Heian period, it measures 98.8 cm in height. Carved from a single block of cypress wood, the statue wears a jeweled crown and represents the Dainichi Nyorai of the Womb Realm, with both hands overlapping on the lap in the hokkai-join meditation mudra. Its full face, substantial chest and arms, and well-balanced form display the gentle sculptural style of the Heian period. Originally the principal image of Myohoji in the Kizaki area of Yoshiki, Yamaguchi, it was moved to Ryuzoji during temple reorganizations in the Meiji period. It is now kept in the treasure house, which may remain closed depending on the weather, so visitors should confirm access to the statue in advance.
Ryuzoji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Fudo Myo-o and Bishamonten Category Other
山口県山口市吉敷1750
Visiting Status Confirm viewing at the treasure house in advance (may be closed in rainy weather; grounds admission 8:00–17:00, fee charged)
PowerDignityTense Presence
A pair of wooden standing statues of Fudo Myoo and Bishamonten is kept in Ryuzoji's treasure house. Both are Tangible Cultural Properties designated by Yamaguchi City, dating to the Kamakura period. Inscriptions inside the statues identify the sculptor as Ken Amidabutsu and the year of their creation as 1306. Fudo Myoo stands 103 cm tall, holding a sword in his right hand and a rope in his left, with his waist slightly turned above a rocky pedestal. The 106 cm Bishamonten holds a treasure pagoda in his left hand and a spear in his right, striking a dynamic pose while trampling a demon. This pair is especially valuable because both its date and maker are known. Access to the treasure house should be confirmed with the temple because weather and temple circumstances may affect opening.
Gankiji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Fudo Myo-o Category Myo-o (Wisdom King)
山口県山陽小野田市大字有帆2289
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required for the Fudo Myoo in Daishi Hall (three other hidden images are unveiled annually on 18 February)
PowerDignityTense Presence
A wooden standing Fudo Myoo is enshrined in Daishi Hall at Gankiji. Measuring 163.8 cm high, it is made of joined cypress wood and thought to date to the late Heian period. Its imposing figure stands on a rocky pedestal, holding a sword in the right hand and a rope in the left. It is considered among the largest prefecturally designated Fudo images in Yamaguchi. Parts of the nose and fingers of the left hand are missing; the sword was restored later, and coloring thought to date to the Edo period survives. Originally kept in the temple's Fudo Hall, the statue is now in Daishi Hall and is designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture. Three other hidden images—Thousand-Armed Kannon Bosatsu, seated Shaka Nyorai and seated Amida Nyorai—are unveiled annually on 18 February. Whether the Fudo statue in Daishi Hall can be viewed has not been confirmed; visitors should contact the temple in advance.
Tokoji Temple
Buddhist Image Shaka Nyorai Triad with the Disciples Kasho and Anan Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県萩市椿東1647
Visiting Status Grounds open 8:30–17:00 year-round (admission fee). Confirm arrangements for viewing the main images inside Daiohoden
SolemnityDignityRefinement
Obaku Zen temple Tokoji was founded in 1691 as a family temple of the Mori lords of Hagi. Its Daiohoden, built in 1698, enshrines a group of three images: Shaka Nyorai flanked by the disciples Kasho and Anan. A temple record known as the Daiden Honzon no Ki says that Chojuin, wife of the founding lord Mori Yoshinari, donated one hundred gold ryo to commission the three images from Kyoto master sculptor Hokkyō Fujimura Chuen. The Chinese-style Buddha Hall is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Its square pillars and numerous inscribed plaques and couplets create an imposing setting that expresses the distinctive character of Obaku worship. No cultural-property designation for the images themselves has been confirmed.
Gachirinji Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
山口県山口市徳地上村572
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (ask the temple about viewing inside Yakushido; the grounds and hall exterior can be visited)
GentlenessNobilityStillness
A wooden standing Sho Kannon Bosatsu, believed to date to the 12th century in the late Heian period, is enshrined in Gachirinji's Yakushido Hall. It measures 167.5 cm high and is a Yamaguchi Prefecture-designated Tangible Cultural Property. Carved primarily from a single cypress block, with additional joined sections for the front, back, arms and legs, the statue has a full face and broad shoulders. It was once covered in gold leaf, now lost. Part of the left hand is missing, while the right hand and the front portions of both feet are later replacements. The Yakushido building is itself a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, traditionally rebuilt in 1189 by Chogen with support from Fujiwara no Kanezane. Unlike the hidden principal Yakushi Nyorai kept in a shrine cabinet, this Kannon stands in the hall; however, visitors must confirm arrangements for viewing the interior in advance.
Daishoin Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Shaka Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
山口県萩市椿青海4132
Visiting Status Main Hall open for worship (8:00–16:30; last entry 16:00; fees apply to some areas). Confirm close viewing of the image in advance
PeacefulnessDignitySolemnity
A large wooden seated Shaka Nyorai is enshrined in the Main Hall of Daishoin, a family temple of the Mori lords of Hagi. Dating to the late Heian or early Kamakura period, the 233 cm statue is designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture. Made of joined cypress wood, its lowered gaze, rounded cheeks and gently carved robe folds reflect the late-Heian sculptural style. Ink inscriptions inside record restorations in 1344 and 1656. The image was formerly the principal statue of Kankiji Temple, which stood on this site. A multilingual guide prepared by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism describes it as the largest statue in the Main Hall. The hall, rebuilt in 1750, is itself a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and welcomes worshippers.
Daishoin Temple
Buddhist Image Standing Akadoji (Red Child) Category Other
山口県萩市椿青海4132
Visiting Status Confirm viewing in the Shoin in advance (temple visits 8:00–16:30; last entry 16:00; some areas require a fee)
Tense PresencePowerWarmth
The wooden standing figure of Akadoji at Daishoin is regarded as the only sculpture of this deity designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Dating to the late Kamakura period, it is 81.4 cm high. Made of joined cypress wood with crystal eyes and coloring, it retains its original gilt-copper crown. Akadoji is traditionally identified with the Shinto deity Kasuga Daimyojin. The wide-open eyes, open mouth and staff held in the right hand suggest a figure delivering a sharp rebuke, yet the face also has an approachable, childlike quality. The realistic modeling and lively movement are characteristic of Kamakura sculpture. Japan's tourism interpretation materials mention it as a distinctive temple image, and viewing in the Shoin has been reported, but visitors should confirm its current display status.
Taineiji Temple
Buddhist Image Stone Shaka Triad and Sixteen Arhats Category Other
山口県長門市深川湯本1074-1
Visiting Status Viewable at any time from the temple grounds (outdoor stone images)
WarmthDepthStillness
A group of stone figures representing the Shaka Triad and Sixteen Arhats stands in the grounds of Taineiji, a historic Soto Zen temple near Nagato Yumoto Onsen. The triad consists of Shaka Nyorai accompanied by his two disciples Kasho and Anan, together with sixteen arhats entrusted with preserving Buddhist teachings. The statues are thought to date to the early Edo period, around 1677, and the names of donors are carved on their backs. They originally stood at Sansho-iwa on the opposite bank of the Taineiji River. Following road construction and concerns about erosion and rockfall, the group was moved and installed at its current location in May 2005. Visitors can worship this expressive ensemble of stone images outdoors. A separate set of wooden Sixteen Arhats is kept in the inner sanctuary of the Main Hall.
Hannyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Wooden Standing Nio (Kongorikishi) Guardians (Agyo and Ungyo) Category Tenbu (Deva)
山口県熊毛郡平生町宇佐木1166
Visiting Status Viewable at the Niomon Gate (grounds 8:00–17:00; free)
PowerDignitySolemnity
A pair of wooden Kongorikishi guardians, the open-mouthed Agyo and closed-mouthed Ungyo, stands in the Niomon Gate of Hannyaji, a historic temple in Hirao. The statues are designated Tangible Cultural Properties by Hirao Town and guard the Buddhist teachings and sacred grounds from either side of the entrance. The thatched gate is a three-bay, eight-legged structure with a hip-and-gable roof. An inscription establishes that the gate was built in 1813, and it was restored during the 2014 fiscal year. Because the guardians stand inside the gate, visitors approaching along the temple path can view them directly. The sculptors and creation dates of the statues themselves have not been confirmed from available official records.
Hannyaji Temple
Buddhist Image Seated Holy Monk (Traditionally Identified as Eji) Category Other
山口県熊毛郡平生町宇佐木1166
Visiting Status Advance confirmation required (Yamaguchi Prefecture advises contacting the temple directly about viewing)
DepthStillnessNobility
A wooden seated Holy Monk statue is preserved in the memorial tablet hall behind the altar of Hannyaji's Main Hall. The single-block carving, 70.7 cm high, is thought to date to the early 11th century of the Heian period and depicts an elderly monk. Long eyebrows, sunken eyes, deep wrinkles and a thin body are rendered with realism. Such holy-monk images served as models for monastic practice and protectors of temples. Hannyaji traditionally identifies the figure as Eji, a monk from Goguryeo and the reputed teacher of Prince Shotoku, but it is not thought to be an actual portrait of him. Restored in 2021, the sculpture was designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Yamaguchi Prefecture in 2023. The prefecture instructs prospective visitors to contact the temple directly about viewing arrangements.
Amidaji Temple (Todaiji Branch Temple)
Buddhist Image Wooden Seated Portrait of Monk Chogen Category Other
山口県防府市大字牟礼上坂本1869
Visiting Status Advance reservation required (book the Treasure Museum by the previous day; admission charged; confirm opening with the temple)
DepthDignityStillness
A wooden seated portrait statue of the monk Chogen, who played a major role in rebuilding Todaiji, is preserved at Amidaji, a branch temple of Todaiji. Dating to the Kamakura period, it is carved from a single piece of cypress, measures 88.2 cm high, and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After Todaiji was destroyed by fire in the late Heian period, Chogen led its reconstruction, supervising the cutting and transport of timber from the forests of Suo Province. Amidaji, founded by Chogen in 1187, still preserves objects associated with him. This portrait can be viewed in the temple's Treasure Museum, which also houses the National Treasure iron pagoda. The local official tourism guide states that museum visits require a reservation by the previous day and an admission fee. This is a portrait of a Buddhist monk rather than a Buddha image.
Jizoji Temple
Buddhist Image Five Hundred Rakan (Arhat) Statues Category Other
徳島県板野郡板野町羅漢字林東5
Visiting Status Open for viewing (admission fee; check reception hours)
WarmthDepthMystery
About 200 wooden rakan (arhat) statues are displayed in the inner sanctuary of Jizoji, Temple No. 5 of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The hall was founded in 1775 by the monk brothers Jitsubun and Jitsumyo, but many statues were lost in a fire in 1915; the present building dates to 1922. Corridors connect the central Shaka Hall with the Miroku and Daishi halls, allowing visitors to view life-size arhats at close range, each showing different human emotions and expressions. The Five Hundred Rakan Hall building is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
Idoji Temple
Buddhist Image Seven Seated Yakushi Nyorai Statues Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
徳島県徳島市国府町井戸北屋敷80-1
Visiting Status Viewable in the main hall (check visiting hours)
PeacefulnessSolemnityDepth
The principal images of Idoji, Temple No. 17 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, are an unusual arrangement of seven seated Yakushi Nyorai statues, with Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai at the center. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded at the command of Emperor Tenmu, and the statues are attributed by tradition to Prince Shotoku. After successive fires, only one of the original seven statues survives; the other six are reconstructions. Visitors can see them up close inside the main hall, where they remain objects of prayer for protection from misfortune and good health. The grounds also contain the Omokage Well, said to have been dug by Kobo Daishi.
Byodoji Temple
Buddhist Image Yakushi Nyorai Category Nyorai (Tathagata)
徳島県阿南市新野町秋山177
Visiting Status Main hall open for worship 6:00–17:00 (free)
PeacefulnessSolemnityPurity
The principal image of Byodoji, Temple No. 22 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is a seated Yakushi Nyorai made of joined wood with a lacquer-and-gold-leaf finish. Traditionally regarded as the second statue, dating to the Muromachi period, it holds a medicine jar in its left hand. Nikko and Gakko Bodhisattvas and the Twelve Divine Generals are also enshrined in the hall, forming a sacred space centered on the Yakushi triad. The temple is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in 814 and still draws worshippers praying for recovery from illness and healthy legs. Yakushi fire rituals are held on the 8th of each month, and the main hall is open free of charge from 6:00 to 17:00.
Tairyuji Temple
Buddhist Image Kokuzo Bosatsu Category Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
徳島県阿南市加茂町龍山2
Visiting Status Hidden image unveiled annually on January 12; close viewing in the inner sanctuary
MysteryDignitySolemnity
The principal image of Tairyuji, Temple No. 21 on the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, is Kokuzo Bosatsu, enshrined in the main hall. Traditionally attributed to Kobo Daishi, the statue is unveiled on January 12 each year during the temple's first annual service. On that day, worshippers may enter the inner sanctuary and see the image at close range. The main hall was built in 1852 at the order of the Hachisuka family, lords of Awa, and is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Tairyuji is a mountain temple associated with Kobo Daishi's youthful practice at nearby Shashingatake, and visitors can now reach the mountainside temple by ropeway.