Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

Tucked away at the far end of Arashiyama's tourist trail, this enchanting temple surprises visitors with over 1,200 whimsical stone rakan statues, each carved with unique expressions from comic to contemplative. Amateur sculptors created these moss-covered figures between 1981 and 1991 to help restore the temple after typhoon damage, resulting in a captivating folk art collection unlike any other in Japan. The peaceful grounds reward those who venture beyond the famous bamboo grove with an unforgettable and photogenic discovery.