Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Kyoto

 

We really only had one full day of sightseeing, and so it was around Arashiyama. Due to some issues with timing the day before, we had to cut some of the intended stops to fit in the Golden Pavillion in the afternoon. I cut two Unesco gardens and opted to keep Otagi Nenbutsu-ji based on pictures I'd seen, and what the teenager might like.

However, what I discovered was that it was actually a NEW temple. So I'd ditched the ancient wonders for a modern recreation...however, it was not the mistake I initially thought was the guide began the tale. When he told me the date, I thought I'd misunderstood. When I clarified "What date? 1890's?' and he said 'No, 1981', I'll admit my heart sank a little at my decision to cut the other temples for this one. However, as we walked in, past the crowd of statues, that disappointment dissipated. 

The original Otagi Temple was not built in Higashiyama in 770.After it was destroyed in floods, it was moved to a different area of Kyoto. I think it was then destroyed in a fire in 1100s (but that might not be correct).  It moved to the current location in 1922 but was severely damaged in a typhoon in 1950.

In 1955, the new head priest, Kocho Nishimura began renovating the temple. He ran out of money and so from 1981 onwards people began to donate their own rakan statues to represent Buddha’s disciples, Each statue is different, and there are some modern touches when you look closely - a tennis player, a guitar musician, even a surfer!

There was only one other couple there when we visited, so  it's pleasant and very easy to take photos. The temple house is a copy of Kiyomizu-dera (which we skipped even though we stayed just down the road from it...but more on that in the next post). It's a charming small temple but mesmerising with over a thousand unique statues.

At the end of the day we discussed which was our favourite - both the teenager and I picked this temple (and my husband liked the monkeys and the Golden Pavilion). I was so pleased the teen had really liked this one, as it proved I'd made the right decision on our itinerary. In a place like Kyoto, with over 3000 temples, there is a lot of 'important' sites to see. However, it's also a holiday and important to see what is interesting to you all.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a temple that is easy, uncrowded and whimsically fun. It's very beautiful while also playful. 

While often not deemed important and usually overlooked, I would say it was my favourite temple I visited in Kyoto. If you are travelling with kids it is definitely worth the detour.

Practicalities:

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

Further Reading:

La Bombance Kyoto

Kinkakuji

Heron and temple roof

The garden in Sanjusangendo

Kyoto in Snow 

Linking with #WOWonWednesday #NaturesNotes for the way the moss is adorning the statues #KeithsRamblings