Nokogiriyama Nihonji Temple

Nihon-ji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Kyonan Town, Chiba. It is considered the oldest imperial-prayer temple (chokuganjo) in the Kanto region, founded about 1,300 years ago by Gyoki Bosatsu under an edict of Emperor Shomu. Mt. Nokogiri, where Nihon-ji is located, is widely known overseas as the world’s premier Rakan (arhat) sacred site. The temple grounds spread over more than 100,000 tsubo on the mountain’s southern slope, making it a popular place to stroll through rich nature while visiting many sightseeing points. The highlight is the Great Buddha (Yakushi Ruriko Nyorai): at 31.05 meters (statue height 21.3 m), it is Japan’s largest. You can worship it in the “Daibutsu Plaza,” one of the temple’s five areas. Other notable sights include the Hyakushaku Kannon, the 1,500 Rakan stone statues, and in the “Rakan Area,” the path known as the 1,500 Rakan Road. Along the way you can see sites such as the Prince Shotoku statue, Asekaki Fudo, Nippai-do, Oku-no-in Muromokutsu, Hyakutai Kannon, Saigoku Kannon, and Kobo Daishi Gomakutsu. Access is about 5 minutes by bus from JR Uchibo Line Hota Station; there is also a ropeway, and if you use it, get off at Hamakanaya Station.