Toganji Temple
A tranquil Nagoya temple featuring a towering green Buddha and a unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Toganji Temple
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Nagoya temple featuring a towering green Buddha and a unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences.
"A hidden gem in Nagoya, offering a peaceful and spiritually unique experience with a striking green Buddha."
🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key
Bring repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Buddha
Don't just focus on the statue; the temple's architecture and grounds hold much of its magic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Green Buddha
Main Hall
An impressive, serene green Buddha statue that stands out from traditional Japanese Buddhist icons.
Shiva Linga
In front of Main Temple
A surprising Hindu Shiva Linga, showcasing the temple's unique blend of religious influences.
Tranquil Bamboo Grove
Temple Grounds
A small, peaceful bamboo grove offering a moment of calm and natural beauty within the temple complex.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Mosquitoes
Embrace the Unique Atmosphere
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key
Bring repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Buddha
Don't just focus on the statue; the temple's architecture and grounds hold much of its magic.
🕉️ Unique Religious Blend
Appreciate the rare mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements, a distinctive feature of this temple.
🌳 Peaceful Park-like Feel
Locals sometimes treat it like a park, so enjoy the calm but be mindful of its spiritual nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Mosquito Repellent is Key
Bring repellent, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.
🚶♂️ Explore Beyond the Buddha
Don't just focus on the statue; the temple's architecture and grounds hold much of its magic.
🕉️ Unique Religious Blend
Appreciate the rare mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements, a distinctive feature of this temple.
🌳 Peaceful Park-like Feel
Locals sometimes treat it like a park, so enjoy the calm but be mindful of its spiritual nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Toganji Temple is a unique Nagoya gem, praised for its serene green Buddha statue and surprising blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements, including a Shiva Linga. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and free entry, though some note that maintenance could be improved. It offers a distinct spiritual experience unlike typical Japanese temples.
"I visited Toganji Temple in Motoyama, Nagoya, and it was a peaceful and spiritually calming experience. The big Buddha statue is really impressive, and I was surprised to see a Shiva Linga (pind) in front of the main temple, which was nice for someone from India like me.
I was a bit disappointed with the condition of the place as it didn’t seem well maintained. There were many mosquitoes, and some parts of the temple looked old and not taken care of. I hope whoever is responsible for the temple can improve it or at least keep it well maintained, as it’s a spiritual place and deserves better.
There were very few people when I visited, and some of them were walking their dogs. It felt like local people see it more as a park than a temple, though I could be wrong. Still, I hope more visitors and locals treat it as a spiritual place too.
I think it’s worth a visit for the calm atmosphere and unique mix of Buddhist and Hindu elements, but I do hope the maintenance gets better."
Saurabh Chavan
"This temple has a lot of charm and character. Don't forget to look at the temple, and not just at the statue—the temple is where I feel the magic lies.
The temple is not the most well-maintained, but its architecture is very different from other temples in Japan and has various influences, and it feels like being lost in a little wonderland of faith. The green Buddha statue is quite a wonder in itself.
It's not a temple where I would come and pray and find spiritual connection though, but its charms and character are special."
Roy Yi Ling Ngerng
"Secret kamakura Daibutsu? In Nagoya?
Great location that offers not only a prettier and bigger buddha statue than kamakura, but is also free and has a shrine and a little bamboo Grove a simple 10-15 minute metro ride from the center."
Max Melamed
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Toganji Temple is easily accessible by a 10-15 minute metro ride from Nagoya's city center. Take the Higashiyama Line to Motoyama Station, and it's a short walk from there.
Yes, it's located in the Motoyama area of Nagoya and is generally straightforward to find, especially with navigation apps.
The metro is the most convenient and recommended mode of transport to reach Toganji Temple from central Nagoya.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but it's best to rely on public transport like the metro for easy access.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but the metro is generally more efficient for reaching the temple from the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Toganji Temple offers free entry, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction in Nagoya.
While specific hours aren't always listed, it's generally open during daylight hours. Weekdays are recommended for fewer visitors.
No advance booking is required as entry is free. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, you can visit on holidays, but expect potentially more visitors. Weekdays are ideal for a quieter experience.
Yes, you can experience the main highlights, like the green Buddha and the Shiva Linga, in a relatively short visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the large, serene green Buddha statue, a unique sight in Japan.
It features a blend of Zen Buddhism and Hindu influences, including a Shiva Linga, and has a distinct architectural style. +1
Besides the main hall with the Buddha, explore the temple grounds, the bamboo grove, and the area with the Shiva Linga.
Some visitors note that maintenance could be improved, with parts appearing old. However, its unique charm is still appreciated.
Photography is generally allowed, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere and the impressive green Buddha.
📸 📸 Photography
The green Buddha statue is a must-capture. Also, the Shiva Linga and the tranquil bamboo grove offer unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, its unique blend of religious elements and serene atmosphere makes it a visually interesting place for photography.
Morning light can be soft and atmospheric, ideal for capturing the serene mood of the temple and its statues.
Generally, photography is permitted, but it's always good practice to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
Its unusual color and imposing size make the green Buddha a striking subject for photographs, offering a different aesthetic than typical temple statues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned mosquitoes, so bringing child-friendly repellent is a good idea, especially during warmer months. The free entry makes it an economical choice for families exploring Nagoya.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
While some reviews mention maintenance issues, the overall peaceful atmosphere and distinctive character of the temple are highly valued by those looking for a less conventional spiritual site. It's a place to wander, reflect, and appreciate the subtle magic of its unique blend of faiths.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Religious Fusion
The temple's history and its unique religious makeup suggest a period of cultural exchange and openness. While the exact reasons for this specific fusion are complex, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into a less conventional spiritual landscape. The serene green Buddha statue, while Buddhist in origin, also possesses a unique aura that complements the temple's distinctive character.
The Iconic Green Buddha
This distinctive statue contributes significantly to the temple's 'hidden gem' status. It's a visual anchor that draws visitors and provides a memorable focal point. The serene expression of the Buddha, combined with its unusual color, creates a powerful and contemplative atmosphere, making it a highlight for many who visit.
Visitor Experience and Maintenance
Despite these observations, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many appreciating the temple's distinctiveness and tranquil environment. The presence of a bamboo grove and the unique religious elements add to its appeal. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the temple's character while hoping for continued efforts in its preservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit