Hoonji Temple Five Hundred Rakan

報恩寺五百羅漢

4.4Est. 1.5 hrsMorioka, Tohoku

Local PickA distinctive place, off the usual route.

Read about Kegare (purification)

Overview

A Soto Zen temple housing 499 individual wooden rakan statues, each with a unique and eerily lifelike expression.

Hoonji was founded in 1394 and contains the Rakan Hall, a dimly lit chamber where 499 wooden arhat statues sit in rows, carved between 1731 and 1735, each with a distinct facial expression said to include likenesses of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan. The atmospheric cedar-shaded grounds are a favorite walking spot for Morioka residents, but the rakan hall itself sees almost no tourists. The temple bell is one of Tohoku's most celebrated.

Local tips

Spend time looking for the statue said to depict Marco Polo. It is in the back row on the right side. The caretaker enjoys pointing out the most expressive faces if you ask.

Practical info

Japanese name: 報恩寺五百羅漢
Nearest station: Morioka Station (JR Tohoku Shinkansen)
Payment: Cash only

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