HyogoLeisure

Gohyaku Rakan of Rakan-ji, Hojo-cho (北条町羅漢寺の五百羅漢)

Flow of the course

About 50 min here

About 25 min to the next stop

Next stop: Watch the terminus of a local railway line and have lunch by the station

About this spot

The Gohyaku Rakan (五百羅漢) in Hojo-cho, Kasai City, is a landmark representing this area, where simple stone Buddhas stand in long rows. Because every one of them has a different face, the saying has been handed down that if you want to see your parent's face, go to the Gohyaku Rakan of Hojo. The fact that it is still unclear who made them, when, and for what purpose deepens the mystery of the place. Walking with your children while saying let us find a face that looks like Dad naturally creates a quiet stretch of time spent gazing at the statues. Maruyama General Park (丸山総合公園) is a short drive away, making this just the right first stop of the morning.

Tips

An admission fee is required (check the on-site information for the amount). The footing is gravel and dirt paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Agreeing with your children before the visit not to touch the stone Buddhas will put your mind at ease. There is no shop, so prepare drinks before you set out.