Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple?
Children enter free and can make scavenger games from the funny rakan, yet many uneven stone steps, few safety railings, and zero hands-on exhibits may exhaust or frustrate some under-12s.
![🇯🇵 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Kyoto 京都散歩: 愛宕念仏寺 [4K Binaural]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MYdyr4lfZXc/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Free entry for kids: All visitors under 15 years old enter the temple grounds free of charge.
- Rest benches available: Stone benches near the statues offer places to rest or have a quick snack.
Challenges:
- Uneven stone paths: The hillside paths and steps are uneven; wear sturdy shoes.
- Stroller not recommended: Steep steps and narrow walkways make stroller use difficult.
What is so special about Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple for with kids?
- Discover 1,200 moss-covered rakan statues with a fun scavenger hunt.
- Engage kids with counting games and interactive challenges.
- Enjoy free entry for children and optional goshuin stamps.
- Relax on benches and capture unique family photos in the forest.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time for a statue scavenger hunt, family photos, and a short downhill walk.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Statue scavenger hunt:
Kids search for rakan statues holding objects like cameras or musical instruments.
Tip: Prepare a simple list of objects for kids to find to keep them engaged.
Counting game:
Children count the rakan statues along a path or near the pagoda.
Tip: Turn it into a friendly competition by timing who finishes first.
Collect goshuin stamp:
Obtain the temple’s special red ink stamp in a goshuin-cho book.
Tip: Bring your own stamp book or ask for the stamp on paper to share among family.
Family photos:
Pose among moss-covered statues and forest scenery for memorable pictures.
Tip: Use the soft morning light for the best shots and bring a tripod or selfie stick.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry (2×500 yen) | JPY 1,000 |
| Goshuin stamp (optional) | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple?
Visit after rain when moss on statues appears vivid green. In spring, nearby cherry blossoms bloom in mid-April. In autumn, leaves along the forest path turn red by early November. Arrive early to enjoy cool temperatures.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- Arrive at opening: Get there by 9 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy soft morning light.
- Pack light snacks: Bring snacks and water to enjoy on benches without leaving the site.
- Combine with Arashiyama: After the temple, walk downhill to the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge on the forest trail.
Map of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Address: 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan
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Reviews of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Rui Ern Chong
Unique place to visit! So many statues with different unique faces and poses. Not a hidden gem to miss when you visit the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is definitely a roughly 30-minute hike but it is absolutely worth it!
Marilian Canals
A must, a hidden gem, magical place. Find your resonating Budha, I found a couple! Also, I took a taxi from saga station to here, then walked from the temple down hill through all the preserve street and saw other amazing temples. If you try to do it the otherway around, is gonna be extremely tiring and long. You will waste to much time walking round. Just an advice!
Steven D
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is one of Kyoto’s most whimsical and underrated treasures. Tucked away in the quiet hills of Arashiyama, this temple is home to over 1,200 stone Rakan statues – each one carved with a different facial expression and personality. Some are smiling, others praying, some even laughing or pulling silly faces. Walking among them feels like being surrounded by a crowd of joyful, peacefu...
Nadia Amelia
Smaller than I expected! Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple was super easy to get to. The bus options were limited, but I had already planned to walk down afterward anyway. The entrance fee was ¥500 as of March 2025. It was really pretty and calming, but definitely smaller than I thought 😅 Worth a visit, but tbh an hour here is more than enough! I went during summer and it was actually breezy, can’t imagi...
Yasmin Grassinger
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, nestled in Kyoto’s serene Arashiyama district, offers a tranquil and enriching experience for visitors. The temple is renowned for its collection of 1,200 stone rakan statues—representations of Buddha’s disciples—each carved with unique expressions and characteristics. These statues, created between 1981 and 1991 under the guidance of sculptor and monk Kocho Nishimura, re...
About Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-865-1231See available options
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