The temple belongs to the Sōtō school, which is one of the two major sects of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
The hundreds of Rakan statues were carved by local residents over many years, rather than by a single professional sculptor.
The Rakan statues represent the disciples of Buddha who have attained the state of enlightenment.
Unlike many ornate temples in Japan, Choan-ji maintains a rustic, woodland appearance that integrates directly into the surrounding Sengokuhara hillside.
The temple is significantly less crowded than the major shrines and museums located closer to the central Hakone-Yumoto station.
Choan-ji Temple is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1356, situated in the Sengokuhara region of Hakone. It is uniquely recognized for its collection of hundreds of stone Rakan statues, each displaying a distinct facial expression and posture. These statues are scattered throughout the moss-covered temple grounds and forest slopes, creating a weathered, folk-art atmosphere. The temple functions as a local center for Zen practice and retains an unrefined, historical aesthetic compared to the more polished tourist sites in Hakone. The temple grounds are particularly notable for their seasonal foliage, featuring cherry blossoms in spring and vivid maples in autumn.
The central path climbing up the forested slope where the Rakan statues are most densely clustered.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the path leading up the slope to view the Rakan statues can be uneven and occasionally damp.
Bring mosquito repellent during the summer months, as the forested grounds are susceptible to insects.
Visit during the peak of autumn colors to see the statues framed by deep red and orange maple leaves.
Do not touch or climb on the stone Rakan statues, as they are fragile and considered sacred objects.
Maintain silence as this is an active Zen temple; remove shoes before entering any temple buildings; bow slightly at the entrance.
