Rakan-ji Temple

羅漢寺 (五百羅漢)

4.0Est. 30Oda, Chugoku

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview

Rock-carved temple housing five hundred unique stone statues built to honor deceased silver miners.

A unique temple carved directly into the rock face near the Iwami Ginzan silver mine. It houses five hundred stone statues of Arhats, each with a completely distinct facial expression. They were carved to honor the souls of those who died working in the harsh silver mines.

Local tips

Take your time examining the faces of the statues; local legend says you will always find one that looks exactly like a family member.

Practical info

Japanese name: 羅漢寺 (五百羅漢)
Nearest station: Omori Bus Stop (10 min walk)

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