Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Overview

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. Its mountain name is Tokaku-zan, and its principal image is the Yakujyo Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon, Goddess of Disaster Prevention). Also known as the Temple of 1200 Rakan, it's situated at the foot of Mt. Atago's Atago Shrine approach, serving as the starting point for Saga-no sightseeing. While initially a branch temple of the Toji school of Shingon Buddhism in the early Heian period, it fell into disrepair during the reign of Emperor Daigo. Flooding from the Kamogawa River destroyed its buildings, leaving it abandoned. Emperor Daigo ordered its restoration by Senkan Naiku, a Tendai monk who became known as Nenbutsu Shonin. The temple's name was changed to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji because Senkan practiced Nenbutsu (recitation of the Amida Buddha's name) here. The temple experienced periods of prosperity and decline, eventually leaving only the main hall, Jizo-do (Jizo Hall), and Niomon Gate. In 1922, the main hall was relocated to its current location for preservation and reconstruction efforts. However, it became uninhabited during the Pacific War and suffered extensive damage from the Jane Typhoon in 1950. In 1955, the Buddhist sculptor and monk, Kimura Kimitomo, was instructed by Enryaku-ji Temple (the head temple of the Tendai sect) to revive Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and became its chief priest, initially hesitant to take on the task. Encouraged by the chief priest of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Onishi Ryokei, who said, "The temple is so damaged that even removing a single blade of grass or moving a stone will qualify you as a restorer. I will help you," Kimura undertook the restoration. Since then, he has worked on the temple grounds while traveling the country as a Buddhist sculptor. In 1980, the ten-year-long dismantling and repair of the Niomon Gate began, marking the start of a full-scale restoration. From 1981, ordinary people began participating in the "Showa Rakan Carving Project," creating and donating Rakan statues. The initial goal of 500 statues was surpassed, reaching 1200 ten years later. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple offers a serene and mystical atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Compare the expressions and stories of the 1200 Rakan statues. The main hall and Niomon Gate are also noteworthy architectural features. Since it's located at the entrance to the Mt. Atago approach, it's a convenient stop before visiting Atago Shrine.