HOON-JI

This beautiful Zen temple is said to have been built in 1394. It is known for its lacquered wooden statues of 500 rakan, Buddhist disciples. They are said to have been carved between 1730 and 1735 by nine Buddhist masters from Kyoto. The realistic expressions of these 500 sculptures are striking. They have been designated as a tangible cultural asset by the city. You can even see a representation of Marco Polo. A visit to this temple is even more beautiful during the period of cherry blossoms and autumn colors.