Atami Ioji Temple

Fun and interesting Buddhist statues

Peter Sidell May 14, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Hanging out on the steps in front of the temple building</p>

<p>There's not much shade under the foliage for this little dude</p>

<p>Taking it easy by the steps at the front</p>

<p>The Kannon is watching over everyone</p>

<p>Enjoying the sun in the garden behind the main building</p>

<p>This embankment doubles as a display case</p>

Just down the road from Atami station, Ioji is a small, pleasant modern temple, worth stopping off at on your way into town for its collection of interesting statues.

There are lots of cute, chubby little Buddha cherubs, a splendid assembly of deities by the bottom of the steps to the main hall, and a radiant golden Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, watching over everyone.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.