Say Hello to 3,600 Buddha statues at Rakanji Temple!

"Rakanji Temple", one of the three biggest temples with 500 rakan statues in Japan!

Rakan status of all kinds on the small hill and a 100 meter high rock(照片提供 : 中津耶馬溪觀光協會)

Rakanji Temple sits half way up a bleak rock mountain called "Mt. Rakan", and is one of the three biggest temples with 500 akan statues in Japan, with 3770 rock statues settled inside the temple. These rock statues all have different face expressions, giving visitors the strong feeling of existence.

Rakanji Temple, according to legend, is said to have been built in 645(Daika 1st year) by a priest from India who was visiting Japan for ascetic training.

Later in 1339(Engen 4th year), it is said that a monk from China visited Rakanji, and created the Gohyaku-rakan-zo, or 500 Monk Statues in just one year. The monks represented in the statues are the ones who have dedicated their lives to Buddhism and prayer. These statutes all have different facial expressions, some are smiling, some are crying, some are uncertain, some are surprised and etc. All the statues are created juts like real human being!
Except for the 500 Rakan statues, it is said that the statue of the Buddhist from the Muromachi period is also settled here.
The Rakanji Temple surrounded with 3770 rock statues is a stunning scene, in which you can immerse yourself in the solemn silence.
The temple was designated as a National Important Cultural property in 2014, attracting worshippers from all over the world.
To get to the main temple, you will have to walk up the rock stairs for about 20 to 30 minutes. For visits who doesn't have enough time or doesn't want to walk, you can also take the elevator up to the mountain top.
It takes about 3 minutes to get to the top of the mountain, in front of the temple. From the top of the mountain, you can see the view of Yaba River, which Nakatsu citizens are proud of. It presents a beautiful scene which you can't see in other places during the autumn season. Please be sure to take a picture here. But keep notice that from the entrance to the temple are not allowed to take photos!

Spots inside the temple

Niomon Gate (仁王門) with handwritten name by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Rakanji Temple Niomon Gate

The Niomon Gate was established in 1751, with two statues as a symbol in front of it.
Most of the buildings in Rakanji Temple were destroyed in a fire in 1943, but Niomon Gate is the only one preserved, which became really precious.
Many plants such as Ginkgo biloba and maple trees are planted around the gate. It is recommended to visit during the autumn season!

Sanmon Gate(山門) located along the cliff

Rakanji Temple Sanmon Gate

The third shogun during the Muromachi Shogunate (14th to 16th century), Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, is said to have constructed this gate. Getting off from the elevator, you can see the Sanomon Gate in front of you. From here, you can see the lined up statues spanning until the top of the mountain, which you can worship along you walk. These statues are all inserted into the rocks, which is really impressive. Another name for the Raknji Temple is "Kijyakusen", which you can see on the sign hung on the gate. There is a huge rock in front of the Sanmon Gate, in which the 500 statues of Rakan are settled.

500 Rakan rock statues

500 Rakan rock statues in Rakanji Temple

The place where these rock statues are settled is called "Leak Cave", which is said as "a place in which troubles doesn't exist". The moment you step into the cave, the stunning scene will definitely surprise you.
It is said that within the 500 statues, you are sure to find the face of either your family, our friend, or just someone you know. You might also find your own face. It must have enhanced your excitement to look for these faces!

The "Aonodomon" documentary cave dug in bare hand

The 144 meters long Aonodomon documentary cave

Nearby the elevator entrance, there is a "Aonodomon documentary cave", in which keeps all the precious things of the Buddhist monks. In thee do period, people used to hold tight on the ropes when passing the clip. After seeing this scene, the monk decided to dig a cave in bare hand, which is "Aonodomon cave". Afterwards, craftsmen used hammers to fix the cave little by little, and then created the cave door after 30 years of hard work.
The tools used for the cave are also exhibited in the cave. Please come in and take look if you plan to head to the Rakanji Temple.

Experience the elevator of the Rakanji Temple

The Rakanji Temple sits on half way up the mountain, but you can take the elevator to get there.

Because the mountain is a little steep, it is also interesting to take the elevator up to the top.
There are even some visitors visiting Mt. Rakan especially for riding the elevator.

・Opening time：9:00 - 17:00（October and November changes to 8:30 - 17:00）
・Price：Adults: 700yen (One direction ride: 500 yen) Child: 350 yen(One direction ride: 250 yen)

Events

Nakatsu-gion Festival – 中津祇園

The Nakatsu-gion Festival is held every year in the end of July. It takes place in the former castle town area of Nakatsu. The festival is known as one of Oita prefecture’s big three festivals.

Access

Nearest station: Nakajima Bus Stop

From Hakata Station

【Hakata Station】Shinkansen Sakura / for Shinosaka
→【Kokura Station】JR Sonic Limited Express / for Oita
→【Nakatsu Station】walk to Nakatsu Station Bus Stop
→【Nakatsu Station Bus Stop】Oita Hokubu Bus / for Morizane-onsen
→【Nakajima Bus Stop】about a 28-minute walk

From Oita Airport

【Oita Airport Station】Airport Bus / for Nakatsu Station
→【Nakatsu Station Bus Stop】Oita Hokubu Bus / for Morizane-onsen
→【Nakajima Bus Stop】about a 28-minute walk

From Oita Station

【Oita Station】Sonic Limited Express / for Hakata
→【Nakatsu Station】walk to Nakatsu Station Bus Stop
→【Nakatsu Station Bus Stop】Oita Hokubu Bus / for Morizane-onsen
→【Nakajima Bus Stop】about a 28-minute walk

The 3,600 Statues at Rakanji

If you look closely at the statues in the temple, you will see that they all have varying expressions. The statues at Rakanji Temple provide a unique, spiritual experience for your visit!

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