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SengokuharaChoanji Temple, the temple of 500 statues

Update:2021.07.08

Hidden off the main road and past a koi pond in Sengokuhara, the temple is surrounded by nature and has a quiet appearance.

The Soto Zen sect Temple was founded in 1356, a long time ago. Hidden off the main road and past a koi pond in Sengokuhara, the temple is surrounded by nature and has a quiet appearance. The scenery is beautiful from season to season, and the autumn leaves are famous. The temple was chosen as one of the most beautiful eastern temples to view foliage because of the wonderful fall colors.

The architectural design of the main hall is said to be close to the time of its construction. In addition to the beautiful precincts and surrounding scenery, the five hundred arhats sculptures (In Buddhism, an arhat or arahant is one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana), by modern sculptors, and seasonal flowers make it an enjoyable, quiet, and spiritual place to take a short stroll. 

The five hundred arhat are a collection of five hundred disciples of Buddha who have attained the highest human rank of arhat after training in the Buddhist temple. The Buddha’s facial expressions are full of joy, anger, sorrow, and humor, making him a very human being. When you look at each of them, you will notice that they all have slightly different expressions and emotions, which is both funny and reminds you of the diversity of human emotions. It is said that there will be one that resembles you. The construction of the five hundred arhats in the bamboo grove with its quiet and dignified air started in 1985 and is still being built.