Chatodera Temple, Oyama

A small, interesting temple on the slopes of Mt. Oyama

Larry Knipfing Feb 09, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Small alcoves like this are a common way to protect statues</p>

<p>One of the many statues along the road and path leading to the temple</p>

<p>Jizo statues line the street in front ot the temple</p>

<p>They are quite old, but still well cared for</p>

<p>On the path leading into the temple</p>

<p>A look at the temple building and statues from behind</p>

<p>Three very old statues in front of the temple building</p>

<p>These two statues face the temple</p>

People who visit Mt. Oyama usually stick to the cable car or hiking routes that bring you straight up the mountain to Oyama Dera Temple or Afuri Jinja Shrine. But there is actually a lot more in the area to see, including the small, slightly out of the way, Chato-dera (or Sato-dera) Temple. In this temple, tea ceremony masses are held 101 days after someone has died. There are also many Buddhist statues on the grounds and along the road and path leading to the temple. Some of the statues have a special marking キ (ki) on them indicating that they were made by secret Christians.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...