Nihon-ji Daibutsu Mount Nokogiri
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Nihon-ji Daibutsu Mount Nokogiri

4.3
·929 reviews·Kyonan, Japan

Discover the awe-inspiring Nihon-ji Daibutsu and breathtaking views atop Mount Nokogiri, a spiritual and natural wonder.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Nihon-ji Daibutsu Mount Nokogiri

Nihon-ji Daibutsu Mount Nokogiri

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the awe-inspiring Nihon-ji Daibutsu and breathtaking views atop Mount Nokogiri, a spiritual and natural wonder.

4.3
(929 reviews)

"The Buddha is very impressive. It is definitely worth a visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of steps await! Prioritize sturdy, comfortable footwear for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💰 Bring Cash for Entry

The 700 yen entrance fee is cash only. ATMs might be scarce, so come prepared. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 929 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nihon-ji Daibutsu

Nihon-ji Daibutsu

Nihon-ji Temple

Marvel at the colossal seated Buddha, a truly awe-inspiring sight carved into the mountainside.

Jigoku Nozoki (Peek into Hell)

Jigoku Nozoki (Peek into Hell)

Mount Nokogiri Summit

Experience breathtaking panoramic views from this dramatic cliff edge, offering a thrilling perspective.

Thousand Buddha Statues

Thousand Buddha Statues

Nihon-ji Temple Grounds

Wander among hundreds of smaller, intricately carved Buddha and follower statues scattered throughout the mountain.

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Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Steps (or Don't!)

Mount Nokogiri offers a challenging climb with thousands of steps to explore its numerous statues and viewpoints. Consider the east entrance for easier access to the Nihon-ji Daibutsu and main temples if you prefer a less strenuous visit. The ropeway is an alternative for reaching higher points without the intense climb.

Cash is King for Entry

The entrance fee for Nihon-ji Temple is 700 yen and is cash only. Be prepared with sufficient yen to avoid any issues upon arrival. While the main attractions are accessible, some areas might require additional fees or separate tickets, like the ropeway.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (via ropeway)
Why
Easier access to views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nihon v3🔥 nihon stacking bug #gag #fyp #growagarden #growagardenedit #foryou
@asuraklv2
81.4K likes • 1.7M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of steps await! Prioritize sturdy, comfortable footwear for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💰 Bring Cash for Entry

The 700 yen entrance fee is cash only. ATMs might be scarce, so come prepared. :moneybag:

Nihon Bug V4 Method Tutorial #growagardenupdate #growagardenroblox #growagarden #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #roblox
@madokaxzv
32.5K likes • 781.1K views
New bug nihonzaru v2 #xh#growagarden
@phongkobtchsff
27.6K likes • 688.1K views

🚗 East Entrance for Buddha

Drive to the east entrance car park for direct access to the Daibutsu and main temples with fewer steps. 🚗

🚶‍♀️ Consider the Ropeway

If climbing is a concern, the ropeway offers a convenient way to reach scenic spots. :mountain_cableway:

Places to visit on the other Golden Route: 📍Kusatsu Onsen Town 📍Nagano Snow Monkey Park 📍Hakuba Ski Resort 📍Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 📍Kanazawa 📍Shirakawa-Go (day trip from Kanazawa) 📍Echizen Daibutsu Temple, Fukui 📍Kyoto 📍Nara 📍Osaka More Places to visit: 📍Matsumoto Castle (the "black castle") 📍Karuizawa (Japan's number one holiday home area) 📍Myoko Ski Resort 📍Takayama (old Edo town) 📍Hida...
@japantravelbasics
22.3K likes • 345.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Thousands of steps await! Prioritize sturdy, comfortable footwear for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💰 Bring Cash for Entry

The 700 yen entrance fee is cash only. ATMs might be scarce, so come prepared. :moneybag:

🚗 East Entrance for Buddha

Drive to the east entrance car park for direct access to the Daibutsu and main temples with fewer steps. 🚗

🚶‍♀️ Consider the Ropeway

If climbing is a concern, the ropeway offers a convenient way to reach scenic spots. :mountain_cableway:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Especially during warmer months, carry water as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(929 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale of the Nihon-ji Daibutsu and the breathtaking views from Jigoku Nozoki. The temple's numerous statues and serene atmosphere are also highly praised. However, many find the extensive climbing and thousands of steps to be physically demanding, with some suggesting strategic parking or using the ropeway to mitigate the exertion.

"There are a couple options to get to this location. First being the Nihon-ji temple parking which is free and closest. Second is the Nokogiriyama parking, which farther away, short walk to the Daibutsu, but the return can be a trek. Last is the Nokogiriyama ropeway, lots of stairs. Great workout and great atmosphere. The air quality here is wonderful!"

Anthony Traylor

"The Buddha is very impressive. It is definitely worth a visit. Depending what you would like to see and whether you want to challenge and walk up and down thousands of steps (literally), there are options. If you are only interested in seeing the giant Buddha and the temples, then my suggestion is to drive to the east entrance car where the Buddha is not too many steps away, then if you follow the path to the left, you can see the various temples too and with minimal steps.

This does mean you are not going to walk up and down all the steps and miss out on the statues dotted around the mountain, the view of hell from the top and the ropeway. The ropeway you can do separately by just going up and then down again without re-entering the temple."

Andrew Cheng

"700¥ Price to enter but was worth it.
Be prepared to do lots of steep climbing if you wish to see everything. Definitely a good workout. Beautiful scenery"

Wayne Yoshida

What People Like

Impressive Daibutsu statue
Stunning mountain views
Abundant Buddha statues

What People Dislike

Thousands of steep steps
Physically demanding climb

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by train to Hota Station, followed by a walk or bus to the temple entrance. Alternatively, driving is an option, with parking available at various points on the mountain. Some visitors recommend parking at the east entrance for easier access to the Daibutsu. Reddit

Yes, trains run to Hota Station, which is a gateway to Mount Nokogiri. From the station, you can walk or take a local bus. The ropeway is also accessible via public transport routes. Reddit

Driving is possible, and there are parking areas available. Visitors suggest the east entrance car park for a more direct route to the main Buddha statue and temples. Reddit

For the most direct access to the Nihon-ji Daibutsu with fewer steps, it's recommended to drive to the east entrance car park. Reddit

While direct shuttle buses within the temple grounds might be limited, local buses connect Hota Station to the mountain area. The ropeway also serves as a form of transport within the mountain. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is 700 yen per person and is strictly cash only. Make sure to have the exact amount or sufficient yen with you. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for entry to Nihon-ji Temple. Tickets are purchased on-site. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but typically the temple is open from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the latest hours before your visit. Reddit

The 700 yen fee grants access to the main Nihon-ji Temple grounds, including the Daibutsu and many of the statues. Access to certain viewpoints or the ropeway may incur separate charges. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available, and it's best to assume the standard 700 yen fee applies. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Be prepared for a significant amount of walking and climbing, with thousands of steep steps to explore the various statues and viewpoints. The 'Peek into Hell' cliff offers stunning views but requires a substantial climb. Reddit

Don't miss the colossal Nihon-ji Daibutsu, the dramatic Jigoku Nozoki (Peek into Hell) viewpoint, and the numerous small Buddha statues scattered throughout the mountain. Reddit

The extensive climbing and numerous steps can be challenging for very young children. However, accessing the Daibutsu from the east entrance is more manageable. Consider the ropeway for easier access to higher points. Reddit

Jigoku Nozoki is a dramatic cliff edge offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for photos but requires a good level of fitness to reach. Reddit

Basic restroom facilities are available within the temple grounds. It's advisable to use them before embarking on longer treks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Nihon-ji Daibutsu offers iconic shots, while the Jigoku Nozoki viewpoint provides stunning panoramic vistas. The numerous smaller statues also make for interesting photographic subjects. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Nihon-ji Temple, but always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Reddit

Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the Daibutsu, while late afternoon offers dramatic lighting for the panoramic views from Jigoku Nozoki. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in temple grounds and natural parks to ensure safety and preserve the environment. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Reddit

Capture the sheer scale of the Daibutsu, the expansive views from Jigoku Nozoki, and the intricate details of the smaller statues. The tunnels and pathways also offer unique photographic perspectives. Reddit

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