Choanji Temple
Discover Choanji Temple, a serene sanctuary in Hakone featuring over 200 unique stone statues of Buddha's disciples amidst tranquil wooded gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage.
Choanji Temple
Best Time
Vibrant fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Choanji Temple, a serene sanctuary in Hakone featuring over 200 unique stone statues of Buddha's disciples amidst tranquil wooded gardens.
"A wonderfully peaceful Zen experience with hundreds of expressive statues scattered through the trees."
🚶♀️ Explore the Hillside
Don't miss the extensive wooded paths behind the temple, filled with statues and nature's beauty.
🍁 Best for Autumn Views
Visit in November for stunning autumn leaves, a highlight for many visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 500 Arhats
Temple grounds and hillside
Hundreds of stone statues depicting disciples of Buddha, each with unique, expressive faces. A truly captivating sight.
Wooded Gardens & Paths
Hillside behind the temple
Wander through serene forested paths, discover hidden statues, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Autumn Foliage
Temple grounds
Spectacular red and yellow leaves create a breathtaking backdrop, especially in November.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Hillside
Don't miss the extensive wooded paths behind the temple, filled with statues and nature's beauty.
🍁 Best for Autumn Views
Visit in November for stunning autumn leaves, a highlight for many visitors. 
🧘♀️ Find Inner Peace
The quiet, meditative atmosphere is perfect for reflection and enjoying the Zen ambiance.
🍜 Nearby Soba Noodles
A soba noodle restaurant is conveniently located at the temple entrance for a meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Hillside
Don't miss the extensive wooded paths behind the temple, filled with statues and nature's beauty.
🍁 Best for Autumn Views
Visit in November for stunning autumn leaves, a highlight for many visitors.
🧘♀️ Find Inner Peace
The quiet, meditative atmosphere is perfect for reflection and enjoying the Zen ambiance.
🍜 Nearby Soba Noodles
A soba noodle restaurant is conveniently located at the temple entrance for a meal.
🚗 Free Parking Available
The temple offers free parking, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Choanji Temple for its unique collection of expressive stone statues and its serene, wooded grounds. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the autumn foliage. While generally well-received, some may find the hillside paths a bit challenging if they have mobility issues.
"This is a wonderful temple to visit. It was a lot of fun to wander the hill covered in statues, and look at their expressions. They ranged from joyful to angry; bored to pleased, and every emotion in between. It was also nice and quiet to sit down and meditate for a while."
Bill Reichman
"Low-key Zen. Nice one. Acres of wonderful forested walking paths on the hillside behind the temple buildings ... filled with old trees and statuary. We were impressed by the numerous volunteer locals meticulously clipping away at the intruding weeds. Parking, lavatory and cemetery included at no charge!"
Paul B
"Beautiful temple with different types of sculptures scattered throughout the forest.
Best time to enjoy during autumn.
Other time forest is full of lush green leaves."
Booban Bas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (57) to Sengoku-hara (仙石原) and then transfer to a bus bound for Ishi-no-hara (石の原) (246), which is about a 20-minute ride.
Yes, Choanji Temple offers free parking for visitors, making it accessible for those traveling by car.
Yes, Choanji Temple is a feasible day trip from Tokyo, especially when combined with other Hakone attractions. The journey typically takes around 80 minutes by bus from Tokyo to Hakone.
The nearest bus stops are Sengoku-hara (仙石原) and Ishi-no-hara (石の原).
Yes, it is accessible by bus from major transport hubs in Hakone, making it convenient for travelers using public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for Choanji Temple, and parking and lavatory facilities are also provided free of charge.
While specific hours aren't always listed, temples are generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the statues and gardens.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit freely during daylight hours.
Choanji Temple is known for its beautiful rhododendrons in spring and stunning autumn foliage. Check local listings for any specific event dates.
Yes, the cemetery is part of the grounds and is accessible to visitors, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the collection of over 200 stone statues of disciples of Buddha, each with unique expressions, scattered throughout the temple grounds and hillside. +1
To fully explore the temple grounds, the hillside paths, and appreciate the statues, plan for at least 1-2 hours.
Yes, the temple features extensive wooded walking paths on the hillside, offering a pleasant experience for those who enjoy nature walks.
The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and serene, offering a low-key Zen experience with beautiful natural surroundings. +1
Yes, restroom facilities are available at the temple grounds, free of charge for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The areas with the 500 Arhats statues, the wooded paths, and the temple buildings during autumn foliage are prime photography locations.
Photography rules can vary, but generally, it's permitted in outdoor areas. It's always respectful to check for any signage regarding photography inside sacred spaces.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful, soft light and fewer crowds, while autumn mornings can be magical with the foliage.
The unique expressions of the Arhat statues and the interplay of light and shadow in the wooded areas offer rich photographic themes.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the statues and landscapes, while a telephoto lens can isolate details of the statues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to introduce children to Japanese culture and Buddhist art in a relaxed, non-intimidating environment. The lack of an entrance fee and the availability of free parking make it a budget-friendly outing for families visiting Hakone.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Meditators
Visiting during off-peak hours, such as late afternoon, can offer an even more profound sense of solitude, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Zen ambiance. The absence of an entrance fee also makes it an accessible and rewarding experience for budget-conscious solo travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigmatic 500 Arhats
The statues are strategically placed along the wooded paths, creating a sense of discovery as you explore. The sheer number and variety ensure that each visit can offer new perspectives and emotional connections. The meticulous care provided by local volunteers, who are often seen tending to the grounds, adds to the sense of community and dedication surrounding this sacred site.
This collection offers a profound visual narrative, inviting contemplation on the human condition and the path to enlightenment. It's a departure from more formal temple structures, offering a more organic and engaging spiritual experience.
Seasonal Beauty: Autumn and Beyond
+3Beyond autumn, the temple offers a different kind of charm. In spring, you can witness the blooming rhododendrons, adding splashes of color to the landscape.
Winter brings a serene, quiet beauty, with the possibility of snow dusting the statues and grounds, offering a peaceful, contemplative experience. Regardless of the season, the temple's natural setting provides a constant source of beauty. The lush green leaves in summer offer a refreshing escape, and the distinct character of the temple ensures a memorable visit no matter when you choose to go.
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