Temple · Shimomeguro

Gohyaku Rakan-ji 五百羅漢寺

A modern temple in Meguro sheltering 305 surviving wooden statues of Buddha's disciples, carved by a single monk in the 1690s, each face different, many startlingly human.

About

In the Genroku era, monk Shoun Genkei carved more than 500 rakan (arhat) figures single-handedly; 305 survive, designated Tokyo Tangible Cultural Properties, and they now sit in tiered rows in a concrete hall in Shimomeguro. Walking among them is mesmerising: some laugh, argue, scratch, read or scowl, and their gilt and lacquer glow in low light. The temple is on the way to Meguro Fudoson, yet even Tokyoites rarely visit. Photography is allowed in parts of the hall, and the atmosphere is reverent but welcoming.

Highlights

• 305 Edo-period wooden rakan statues
• All carved by one monk, Shoun Genkei
• Expressive faces, laughing, pondering, chatting
• Main Shaka triad also a Tokyo cultural property
• Quiet modern hall rarely crowded

Tips

• Last entry 16:30; allow 45 minutes
• Walk on 5 min to Meguro Fudoson and its waterfall
• Junior high and younger are free
• Cash only

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Ee-chan ShokudoRamen & Noodles · 180 m away
• Meguro Fudoson (Ryusen-ji)Temple · 180 m away
• Meguro Parasitological MuseumMuseum · 380 m away
• Gajoen Tokyo (Hyakudan Kaidan)Stay · 530 m away
• Daienji Temple (Meguro)Local Secret · 630 m away
• Ramen Tamaru (Meguro)Ramen & Noodles · 660 m away
• Tonkatsu Tonki (Meguro)Restaurant · 700 m away
• Rinshi-no-mori ParkPark · 710 m away