Rakanji, Kasai

This Tendai sect temple houses approximately 459 stone Buddha statues known as Gohyakurakan, each carved with distinctive facial expressions and poses that reflect various aspects of Buddhist teachings and local sculptural traditions.

Originally part of Sakami-ji temple, Rakanji was relocated and renamed in 1932 after suffering damage during the Sengoku period, with its stone statues dating back to the early Edo period around 1596-1615.

The annual Senko-kai Candle Festival held on August 8th illuminates the stone Buddhas with candlelight while traditional shakuhachi flute music creates a spiritual atmosphere for ancestor veneration and peace prayers.

Located 15 minutes on foot from Hojo-cho Station on the Hojo Railway, the temple is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with free admission and parking facilities available for visitors.

Local legend suggests that visitors can find stone Buddha statues resembling their own faces or those of loved ones among the 459 individually carved figures, each displaying unique expressions and characteristics.