Teramachi, Taketa, Taketa City, Oita Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Located in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, the Kannonji Temple Sixteen Arhats features a series of stone statues of sixteen Arhats (disciples of Buddha) arranged on a natural stone cliff along the approach to Kannonji Temple. Established around 1618 by the lord of the Oka domain, Nakagawa Kou, as a prayer site, the statues are simple yet evoke a reverent atmosphere. Visitors can view the statues from the stone steps leading to the temple, with each statue displaying unique facial expressions. The site offers a distinctive view, especially when observing the statues against the backdrop of the long stone staircase. Note that a modern NTT tower is visible in the background.