The Temple Of A Thousand+ Rakan Faces

January 31, 2014 by Koichi 4 Comments

The Otagi-Nenbutsu-ji is a temple in Kyoto-Prefecture known for its 1200 Rakan Statues, all made by a different amateur. You can tell that they’re all amateur carvers as well… not because they’re bad, because they’re a lot of fun! No, it’s because of how unique each one is.

I had a lot of fun visiting the temple with the Gakuranman, who actually introduced me to this place.

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About Koichi

Tries too hard to be a hoopy frood who knows where his towel's at. Wants to change the way people think about learning. Makes: Tofugu, TextFugu, and WaniKani. Follow him: @Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

DAVIDPD

I love their little “moss heads”! So cute.
IndigoSelvedge

Reminds me of the Gohyaku Rakan in Kawagoe. Very cool.
zingerau

Nice. Just spent way too much time in Gakuranman’s site (that red link just had to be clicked) Damn his post apocalyptic image looks like “Log Horizon” :D
Jane

These videos are awesome!! I’m going to Japan in 2 months and looking for the best sites to visit… Please make more!!