岩戸寺

Iwatoji Temple is a Buddhist complex set on a mountainside, marked by a three-meter-tall stone pagoda and ancient guardian statues positioned at its entrance. These figures and the pagoda structure demonstrate the craftsmanship and religious importance of the site.

Founded in 718 by Buddhist monk Ninmon Bosatsu, the temple served as one of the primary centers within the Rokugo Manzan religious complex. This early establishment positioned the site as a major hub of Buddhist practice in the region.

The temple shares the Shusho Oni-e fire festival with Jobutsuji Temple on alternating years, an event where people walk through nearby neighborhoods carrying torches as part of local religious practice. This celebration shows how the community remains connected to spiritual traditions.

The site is roughly 35 minutes by car from Oita Airport and welcomes visitors free of charge throughout the year. Regular opening hours make it accessible during most seasons, so you can plan your visit with ease.

The temple houses some of Japan's oldest dated carved stone guardian figures, with inscriptions marking their creation from 1478. These rare artifacts rank among the earliest documented stone guardian statues in the country and demonstrate craftsmanship from a distant era.