Kannonji Juroku Rakan Temple
temple
観音寺 十六羅漢
Hillside temple in Taketa overlooking the town, known for its 500 stone rakan statues with individual expressions.
Kannonji Temple in Taketa, Oita, is best known for a cluster of stone Buddha figures carved directly into the cliff face beside the temple buildings. The 500-figure ensemble of Rakan, disciples of the historical Buddha, are carved in varying sizes with individual facial expressions, some serene, some laughing, some weathered almost smooth by centuries of rain. A covered passage runs along the base of the cliff, allowing close inspection of the carvings at eye level. The temple grounds also include a small graveyard and a quiet main hall. Taketa itself is known for its castle ruins and samurai district, and Kannonji makes a strong complement to those sites within the same half-day.
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