Best For
History buffs and those seeking a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
Gohyaku Rakanji Temple
JP
Buddhist Temple·Peaceful, Contemplative, Artistic
Gohyaku Rakanji Temple is a hidden gem in Meguro City, Tokyo, offering a deeply spiritual and artistic experience. The temple is home to approximately 270 surviving wooden statues of Arhats (enlightened disciples of Buddha), originally part of a set of 500 carved in the 17th century. Visitors can explore the main hall while listening to recorded Buddhist chanting, creating a perfect environment for reflection. The site also features a notable carving of a Baku, a supernatural being from Japanese folklore. With English touch-screen guides available, it is an accessible and educational stop for international travelers looking to delve into Japanese religious history.
Gohyaku Rakanji Temple is a hidden gem in Meguro City, Tokyo, offering a deeply spiritual and artistic experience. The temple is home to approximately 270 surviving wooden statues of Arhats (enlightened disciples of Buddha), originally part of a set of 500 carved in the 17th century. Visitors can explore the main hall while listening to recorded Buddhist chanting, creating a perfect environment for reflection. The site also features a notable carving of a Baku, a supernatural being from Japanese folklore. With English touch-screen guides available, it is an accessible and educational stop for international travelers looking to delve into Japanese religious history.
You might want to ask
Address
3-chōme-20-11 Shimomeguro,Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan
Websiterakan.or.jp
Phone03-3792-6751
Hours
ClosedDaily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Highlights
Over 270 original hand-carved wooden Arhat statues.
Interactive English explanations via touch screens.
Main hall featuring recorded Buddhist chanting.
Unique carving of a Baku (dream-eater).
Quiet alternative to more crowded Tokyo temples.
Occasion Tags
Tourists, Locals, Solo
Reviews
4.3
Great640 reviews
Gohyaku Rakanji Temple is highly regarded for its impressive collection of wooden sculptures, with many visitors describing the statues as stunning and charming. Reviewers often highlight the temple's history, noting that the remaining 270 statues were moved here after a typhoon destroyed their original location in the 1950s. The atmosphere is frequently described as peaceful and contemplative, making it a great place to unwind away from crowds. Guests appreciate the modern touches, such as the English explanations provided via touch screens that explain the significance of the Arhat statues. Some visitors have been lucky enough to stumble upon local festivals like Tanabata, which adds a vibrant local flavor to the visit. In summary, it is considered one of the most interesting and unique temples in Tokyo due to its dense concentration of historical carvings.
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Location
20, Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan