Rakan-ji Temple
A peaceful, cliffside temple with hundreds of ancient Buddha statues and breathtaking mountain views, accessible by cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Amazing autumn leaves view
Rakan-ji Temple
Best Time
Amazing autumn leaves view
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful, cliffside temple with hundreds of ancient Buddha statues and breathtaking mountain views, accessible by cable car.
"The temple is well preserved and by walking around you can feel the peacefulness inside."
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Remember, photography of Buddha statues is forbidden. Embrace the 'look with your heart' philosophy. :noentrysign:
🚠 Cable Car Fun
The cable car ride up is a must-try experience with scenic views. :mountain_cableway:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4 · 841 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hundreds of Buddha Statues
Murodō Cave
Marvel at the hundreds of original, ancient Buddha statues, each representing an enlightened being.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Temple Apex
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the distant mountains, especially stunning during autumn foliage.
Peaceful Cliffside Temple
Temple Grounds
Experience the serene atmosphere of this ancient temple carved into the cliffside.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Sanctuary: Photography Rules
Cable Car & Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Remember, photography of Buddha statues is forbidden. Embrace the 'look with your heart' philosophy. :noentrysign:
🚠 Cable Car Fun
The cable car ride up is a must-try experience with scenic views. :mountain_cableway:
🙏 Respectful Demeanor
Be prepared for strict rules and potentially curt staff interactions. 🙏
🚶♀️ Walk Downhill
Consider walking down from the temple for a leisurely experience. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 No Photos Allowed
Remember, photography of Buddha statues is forbidden. Embrace the 'look with your heart' philosophy. :noentrysign:
🚠 Cable Car Fun
The cable car ride up is a must-try experience with scenic views. :mountain_cableway:
🙏 Respectful Demeanor
Be prepared for strict rules and potentially curt staff interactions. 🙏
🚶♀️ Walk Downhill
Consider walking down from the temple for a leisurely experience. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rakan-ji Temple is praised for its serene atmosphere, well-preserved ancient Buddha statues, and stunning mountain views, especially during autumn. However, a significant drawback for many visitors is the strict 'no photography' policy and reports of rude staff interactions during ticket purchase and within the temple grounds, which can detract from the overall experience.
"No phones, no camera allowed. Cable car out of order. Don't waste your time coming here."
Ronny Fritsch
"Rakanji is a place very worth visiting. You can go up by the mini cable car and walk down hill which only takes less then 30 minutes. The temple is well preserved and by walking around you can feel the peacefulness inside."
Lok Sum Lee
"Serene and simply stunning! We met with Eika HOKA, a nun whose father initiated the reconstruction of Rakanji Temple 48 years ago in 1969. Eita speaks English as she lived in Spain previously. She informed us that the original temple was burned down 74 years ago in 1943. A visit to the Murodō Cave to check out the 500 arahan (aka rakan or enlightened beings). According to Eita, the hundreds of buddha statues are originals. Wow!
Psst! The cable chair return ride, at ¥700 per adult, is a must try. Once in the temple, pay another ¥300 per adult to go to the apex where one can pay respect to the golden standing Buddha and ring the bell two times for good tidings. Btw, the panoramic view of the distant mountains is awesome!"
Shirley “MuseFaery” NKL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Rakan-ji Temple typically involves a cable car. Some visitors mention a mini cable car that takes you up, and then you can walk down.
One visitor reported the cable car being out of order, so it's advisable to check its status beforehand if possible.
A common recommendation is to take the cable car up and then enjoy a walk downhill, which takes less than 30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Rakan-ji Temple is ¥1000 per adult, and the cable car ride costs ¥700 per adult for a round trip.
Information on online ticket purchases is not readily available. It's likely tickets are purchased on-site.
Specific discount information is not widely shared, but it's always worth inquiring on-site.
Visitors need a 1000 yen entry permit to access the mountain area where Rakan-ji Temple is located.
📸 📸 Photography
No phones or cameras are allowed inside Rakan-ji Temple, and photography of the Buddha statues is strictly prohibited.
Visitors are told that photography is not allowed 'to look with our hearts,' emphasizing a spiritual experience over documentation.
While the prohibition is specifically mentioned for the Buddha statues, it's best to assume a general no-photography rule within the sacred areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see hundreds of ancient Buddha statues in the Murodō Cave, a golden standing Buddha at the apex, and enjoy panoramic mountain views.
A visit, including the cable car and walking around, can take less than 30 minutes if you walk downhill.
Yes, it can be a relatively quick visit, especially if you opt to walk down after ascending.
The Rakan statues represent the 'arahans' or enlightened beings, and the hundreds of statues at Rakan-ji are considered originals.
Yes, at the apex, you can pay respects to the golden standing Buddha and ring a bell twice for good tidings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit