The Enigmatic Temple of Small Statues

This shrine ranks among Kyoto's most captivating attractions， though reaching it poses some challenges. Among travelers， it's widely referred to as the "temple of small statues." The stone figures represent "rakans"—monks who have attained enlightenment—each with a unique facial expression， attire， and quirky accessories like a cat or tennis racket. The temple's history is extensive and fraught with turmoil， having faced destruction by war and natural calamities. Established in the 8th century， it took on its present form in the 20th century， largely due to Kocho Nishimura， a caretaker who rallied the Japanese people to carve stone statues and contribute them to the temple， thereby saving it from obscurity. Nowadays， it stands as a remarkable spectacle， akin to a Japanese rendition of the Terracotta Army.

Post by _TI***yw | Aug 25, 2025