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Gohyaku Rakan-ji Temple
A temple complete with collection of Buddhist statues designated as Tokyo Metropolitan Tangible Cultural Property.
Known affectionately as "Meguro no Rakan-san", Gohyaku Rakan-ji was originally founded in 1695 in present-day Koto Ward. The temple relocated to Sumida Ward in 1887 and finally settled in its current location in 1908.
The Rakan are revered individuals who listened directly to the teachings of the Buddha, devoted themselves to practice, and attained enlightenment as part of their path to becoming saints. Inside the main hall, a scene depicting the Buddha preaching to the Rakan is beautifully recreated. The current modern-style main hall was rebuilt in 1981 and is a sight worth admiring.
Originally said to house over 500 Rakan statues, the remaining 305 statues were carved over several decades by Shoun Genkei Zenji, a sculptor and monk, using donations collected through mendicancy in Edo. Each statue has a unique expression and posture, creating an awe-inspiring display.
Other highlights include the Shoho-den, which displays temple treasures and historical artifacts, the Saiki Jizo-son, a Jizo statue over 3 meters tall known for granting wishes of recovery, as well as the Kyoshi Takahama Haiku Monument and the Sakura-tai Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial, offering plenty to explore.
Highlights
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Wooden Rakan statues and Shaka Triad, designated as Tokyo Metropolitan Tangible Cultural Properties.
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Awe-inspiring collection of over 300 Rakan statues, each with unique expressions and poses.
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The main hall was rebeuilt in 1981 with a revamped, modern architectural design.
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The towering Saiki Jizo-son, over 3 meters tall, believed to fulfill wishes for recovery and renewal.
Photos
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![The modern exterior of the main hall.]()
The modern exterior of the main hall.
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![At the center of the main hall stands a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha holding a single flower.]()
At the center of the main hall stands a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha holding a single flower.
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![The Rakan Hall houses 146 Rakan statues that couldn't fit in the main hall.]()
The Rakan Hall houses 146 Rakan statues that couldn't fit in the main hall.
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![Each Rakan statue features a unique expression and pose.]()
Each Rakan statue features a unique expression and pose.
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![The Saiki Jizo-son, standing 3.5 meters tall.]()
The Saiki Jizo-son, standing 3.5 meters tall.
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![The Shoho-den exhibits various historical artifacts and materials.]()
The Shoho-den exhibits various historical artifacts and materials.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
Yes, both standard Goshuin and limited-edition Goshuin are offered.
Q
Is parking available?
Not available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 五百羅漢寺
- Postal Code
- 153-0064
- Address
- 3-20-11 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
- Telephone
- 03-3792-6751
- Closed
- Open every day
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Adults 500yen, Ages 65 and older 400yen, Students(high school students and older)400yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
- Access
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(1) About 8 minutes walk from Tokyu Meguro Line’s Fudō-mae Station
(2) About 12 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Meguro Line and Tokyo Metro Nanboku Line’s Meguro Station
(3) About 2 minutes walk from the Tokyu Bus stop "Fudoson Sando" - Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)