Japan Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple, Kyoto
Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple is a very unusual temple outside the city. It is full of stone sculptures that pilgrims have donated to the temple after learning the art of stone carving at the temple.
Photography Tips
You can make very nice compositions by creating foregrounds, backgrounds, and middle grounds. We liked the very mystical atmosphere and chose a rainy day. With a 50 mm fixed lens, you can make nice portraits of the sculptures.
Use the last 1 1/2 hours from the opening time. It is less crowded. Especially at the end, you will have the temple mostly for your own, cause the bus is coming around 15 minutes before closing. In my eyes, you can use a wide angle from the highest point of the temple. For the sculptures, I've used the 100-500mm.
Use the last 1 1/2 hours from the opening time. It is less crowded. Especially at the end, you will have the temple mostly for your own, cause the bus is coming around 15 minutes before closing. In my eyes, you can use a wide angle from the highest point of the temple. For the sculptures, I've used the 100-500mm.
Travel Information
Take a train and a bus to the temple
Advice 2025: In my eyes, the easiest way to explore Kyoto is the bicycle. In the center, you will find a lot of shops, where you can rent one for a cheap price. Especially a bit outside the town like this one, it is worth it cause you have plenty of temples nearby. It would be too long for a walk, but with a bicycle you can reach them within minutes.
Advice 2025: In my eyes, the easiest way to explore Kyoto is the bicycle. In the center, you will find a lot of shops, where you can rent one for a cheap price. Especially a bit outside the town like this one, it is worth it cause you have plenty of temples nearby. It would be too long for a walk, but with a bicycle you can reach them within minutes.
Spot Type
Outdoor
Crowd Factor
A decent amount of people
Best Timing
Daytime in spring
Sunrise & Sunset
04:43 - 19:07
| current local time: 18:15
Photo Themes
Abandoned
abandones buildings
Buddhist Temple
culture
Japanese Garden
Kyoto
natural history
Sculptures
Temple
Locations
Kyoto
otagi nenbutsu-ji
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