Chōkei-ji

Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast


This hilltop temple has a wonderful outlook, but you've come to see the 500-plus stone statues of rakan (Buddha's disciples) lined up in the forest. It's a serene place, even if all you're contemplating is the shiroebi (white shrimp) you're going to eat for lunch.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast attractions

1. Toyama Municipal Folkcraft Village

0.17 MILES

Here you'll find folk art, ceramics, sumi-e (ink brush paintings) and more in a cluster of hillside buildings. Toyama's free Museum Bus (10 minutes,…

2. Kansui Park

1.27 MILES

This immaculately maintained park built on reclaimed land around Toyama's canal and lock system is a wonderful place for a stroll or picnic. It's a…

3. Kojō Park

9.73 MILES

This big park is the site of the old Takaoka castle (kojō means – you guessed it – 'old castle'), demolished in 1615 after being in use only six years…

4. Takaoka Great Buddha

9.88 MILES

Construction of this great bronze Buddha statue began in 1907 and was completed in 1933. The statue was moved to its present location in 1981 after the…

5. Zuiryū-ji

10.1 MILES

One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…

6. Risaburō Foundry

10.61 MILES

This factory has been producing traditional Takaoka bronzeware since the Meiji era and allows visitors a rare and fascinating glimpse of the casting…

7. Himi Shōwa Museum

13.37 MILES

This fabulous little museum is a good reason to pass through Himi. It showcases all manner of memorabilia from the Shōwa period (1926–89), encompassing…

8. Gokayama Washi-no-sato

21.9 MILES

North of Ainokura on Rte 156 you'll find this roadside attraction, which explains the art of making washi (handmade paper) and gives you the chance to try…

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