Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple, Chiba

Statue of a reclining Buddha in Tateyama

Jessica A Paje May 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Nirvana Statue of Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple (萬徳寺釈迦涅槃仏)</p>

<p>Nirvana Statue of Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple at sunset made our visit feel at peace, especially when it was just our family present</p>

<p>The only known place to do this in Japan, at the feet of Buddha you will place your forehead and lay the palms of your hands to pray. This is considered to be the highly respected way of worship in India.</p>

<p>A full frontal view of Nirvana Statue of Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple</p>

<p>At the temple, gather five incense sticks in front of Buddha. Three of them are for Buddhist teaching, one for your ancestor, and the last one is for your wish.</p>

<p>After you have burned the five incense sticks, place them upright into the sand at the altar, then respectfully join your hands together.</p>

<p>If you are not familiar with the practice of Buddhism, a staff member will be more than happy to assist. Follow the path, which is designed to spiral around Buddha three times until reaching the feet of the Buddha.</p>

<p>Behind the Nirvana Statue of Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple</p>

<p>The pathway to Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple. Entrance fees are 500yen (Adults), 100yen (Children), or 400yen (Seniors).</p>

<p>Mantokuji Temple is located on the hillside of Tateyama and has wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean from this striking red overlook.</p>

<p>Heading south on Route 410, the torii gate entrance to Mantokuji Temple will be on your left hand side. Hours of operation are 9:00am to 5:00pm.</p>

Located off of Route 410 in the southern part of Tateyama in Chiba, Jorakuzan Mantokuji Temple (萬徳寺) is a short hike up along a paved walkway surrounded by bamboo. At the end of the trek, you’ll discover the statue of reclining Buddha framed by a forest of green trees and palms. Built in 1982, the bronze statue weighs in at 30 tons and is 16 meters wide. Resting with his head in his hand and feet together, this sleeping pose symbolizes the day the Buddha entered Nirvana. It is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in eastern Asia.

Hours of Operation are 9:00am to 5:00pm; weather permitting.

Jessica A Paje @jessica.paje

Originally from San Diego, California, I lived in Yokosuka, Japan, for 5 years. In 2010, I arrived with a new outlook on my future. Mainly, to refocus on family and let my curiosities take us to places we’ve only dreamt of. Along the way, we’d hopefully develop new friendships and simply collect ...