Hōon-ji

Hōon‑ji is a Sōtō Zen temple located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. Its sangō (mountain name, following traditional custom) is Zuikyūhōzan, and the temple’s principal image is Shaka Nyōrai (Śākyamuni Buddha). The temple’s tranquil stone garden and expansive meditation hall reflect a serene Zen atmosphere, but it is most famous for its extraordinary collection of 500 Rakan statues. In Buddhist tradition, Rakan (Arhats) are enlightened disciples who have attained spiritual awakening through deep practice and insight.

History

Hōon‑ji was founded in 1394 by Nambu Moriyuki, the 13th head of the Nanbu clan, originally located in Sannohe, present-day Aomori Prefecture. In 1601, the temple was relocated to Morioka by Nambu Toshinao, the 27th clan head, following the construction of Morioka Castle. During the Edo period, Hōon‑ji served as the main seminary of the Sōtō school for the Nanbu domain, overseeing approximately 280 affiliated temples. In 1869, following the Boshin War, the domain's karō (senior retainer), Narayama Sado, committed seppuku in the temple’s main hall.

The 500 Rakan (Arhats)

The temple’s Rakan-dō (Rakan Hall) was originally built in 1735 and later rebuilt in 1858. Inside are 499 wooden, lacquered statues (originally 500) of Rakan, crafted over a period of four years (1731–1734) by nine master sculptorsfrom Kyoto, led by Hōbutsu Sōji and Komano Sadahide.

Each statue displays a unique expression or posture—some appear joyful, others meditative. Visitors often enjoy searching for a figure that resembles themselves or someone they know. Notably, two statues are said to represent Marco Polo and Kublai Khan, reflecting cultural influences from Central Asia and China.

This collection is exceptionally rare. Among roughly 50 Rakan halls in Japan, very few preserve so many original wooden statues with documented origins, artists, and dates.