Gishakutsusen Rakanji is a Soto Zen temple located in Hon'yabakei-cho, Nakatsu City. Rakanji has several thousand stone Buddha statues enshrined in the caves within the temple grounds, including Japan's oldest stone statues of 500 arhat enshrined in Murokutsu Cave and the 1,000 Jizo statues in Fusai-ro, illustrating Buddhism like a painting. Mount Rakan is also known as one of the most scenic spots in Yabakei, and the appearance of the temple building blending into the huge rock walls creates a unique atmosphere in every season.
Rakanji Temple is a sacred mountain where Buddhism is passed down, and is blessed with breathtaking views. It has been marking the passage of timeless time, answering the prayers of worshippers since ancient times.
The stone Buddha statues at Rakanji Temple are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan (designated August 21, 2014).
*Garan: a sacred place where monks gather and practice.
Rakanji Temple is a sacred mountain where Buddhism is passed down, and is blessed with breathtaking views. It has been marking the passage of timeless time, answering the prayers of worshippers since ancient times.
The stone Buddha statues at Rakanji Temple are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan (designated August 21, 2014).
*Garan: a sacred place where monks gather and practice.
Starting October 1, 2023 (Sunday), the method of entering Rakanji Temple will change.
・A mountain entry permit is required to enter Rakanji Temple.
After paying the mountain entry fee at the reception in front of the Niomon Gate, you will be given a mountain entry permit that is valid only for that day, so please take the permit with you when entering the mountain.
・Please note that the gates may be closed without notice due to rain, bad weather, or maintenance work on the mountain.
After paying the mountain entry fee at the reception in front of the Niomon Gate, you will be given a mountain entry permit that is valid only for that day, so please take the permit with you when entering the mountain.
・Please note that the gates may be closed without notice due to rain, bad weather, or maintenance work on the mountain.
●Requests for worship (revised November 28, 2023)
1. Photography is prohibited. Cameras etc. cannot be brought in.
2. Prohibition of mobile phone use
3. No animals allowed
4. Drinkers and smokers are not allowed
5. Foreigners must be accompanied by an interpreter
6. No food allowed
For groups of 7 or 5 people or more, please contact us by the day before.
8. It is not permitted to enter the mountain wearing clothing or shoes that are not suitable for mountain climbing (prayer).
9. The toilets inside the temple cannot be used. Please be mindful of your health.
10. People with disabilities (due to the steep stone steps and the time it takes to respond in an emergency)
*Please note that it may be difficult to get through by phone. Please give priority to email and fax.
2. Prohibition of mobile phone use
3. No animals allowed
4. Drinkers and smokers are not allowed
5. Foreigners must be accompanied by an interpreter
6. No food allowed
For groups of 7 or 5 people or more, please contact us by the day before.
8. It is not permitted to enter the mountain wearing clothing or shoes that are not suitable for mountain climbing (prayer).
9. The toilets inside the temple cannot be used. Please be mindful of your health.
10. People with disabilities (due to the steep stone steps and the time it takes to respond in an emergency)
*Please note that it may be difficult to get through by phone. Please give priority to email and fax.
Details
Address | 1519 Atoda, Honyamakeicho, Nakatsu City |
website | |
Entrance time (From October 1, 2023) | 8:30 to 15:30 (closes at 17:00) (The gates may be closed without notice due to rain, bad weather, or mountain maintenance.) The "Zazen Meeting" held on the third Saturday of every month will be held even if the temple is closed due to bad weather. *Only those who register in advance can participate in the zazen session. |
Mountain entrance fee donation (From October 1, 2023) | Junior high school students and above: 1,000 yen, elementary school students: 500 yen (preschoolers are free) Local residents (non-parishioners) and Zen meditation participants: 500 yen |
Contact. | FAX: 0979-52-3032 / E-mail: gisyakutsu★yabakei-rakanji.jp (Please change ★ to @) TEL：0979-52-2538 We cannot respond to matters unrelated to worship. |
Access to Rakanji Temple
・Private car
From the Higashi Kyushu Expressway "Nakatsu IC", change to the Nakatsu Hita Road and proceed towards Hita (about 7 minutes) → Get off at "Aonodomon-Rakanji IC" and it is about 3 minutes to the parking lot of Rakanji Temple.
・When using public transportation
・JR
Get off at Nakatsu Station on the Nippo Main Line
·bus
From the Nakatsu Station bus stop, take the bus bound for "Kakizaka", "Morimi Onsen" or "Hita" and get off at the Nakajima bus stop.
Community bus (transfer) get off at Rakanji bus stop
*In 1 day, there are 2 to 3 community buses. Not in service on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
·taxi
Approximately 25 minutes from the south exit of Nakatsu Station
※Detail isPublic transport route maps and timetablesSee About
From the Higashi Kyushu Expressway "Nakatsu IC", change to the Nakatsu Hita Road and proceed towards Hita (about 7 minutes) → Get off at "Aonodomon-Rakanji IC" and it is about 3 minutes to the parking lot of Rakanji Temple.
・When using public transportation
・JR
Get off at Nakatsu Station on the Nippo Main Line
·bus
From the Nakatsu Station bus stop, take the bus bound for "Kakizaka", "Morimi Onsen" or "Hita" and get off at the Nakajima bus stop.
Community bus (transfer) get off at Rakanji bus stop
*In 1 day, there are 2 to 3 community buses. Not in service on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
·taxi
Approximately 25 minutes from the south exit of Nakatsu Station
※Detail isPublic transport route maps and timetablesSee About
・From the parking lot
On foot: After obtaining a permit to enter the mountain, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to climb the stone steps to the main hall of Rakanji Temple.
On foot: After obtaining a permit to enter the mountain, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to climb the stone steps to the main hall of Rakanji Temple.