Warabe Jizo
Warabe Jizo statues at Kongoji Zen Temple welcoming visitors with their cute smiles. They can be found throught the temple grounds under seasonal trees such as cherry, or camellia, behind buildings or inside the main hall.
The Warabe Jizo statues of Kongoji Zen Temple were created by Takashi Sugimura, a famous stone sculptor from Shizuoka Prefecture. The Zen Temple has also several calligraphy writings made by Mr. Sugimura. One says: "Carve me, carve me, the stone tells me."
Takashi Sugimura does not carve the stone by force, but he let the stone tell him how to carve. Instead of forcing yourself to make the shape of a statue, the face apears automatically when cutting and carving. The stone becomes the expression and appearance of a Warabe Jizo. The Warabe Jizo created in this way have a mysterious charm and smile that seems to wash away the worries of everyday life.
The Warabe Jizo statues of Kongoji Zen Temple were created by Takashi Sugimura, a famous stone sculptor from Shizuoka Prefecture. The Zen Temple has also several calligraphy writings made by Mr. Sugimura. One says: "Carve me, carve me, the stone tells me."
Takashi Sugimura does not carve the stone by force, but he let the stone tell him how to carve. Instead of forcing yourself to make the shape of a statue, the face apears automatically when cutting and carving. The stone becomes the expression and appearance of a Warabe Jizo. The Warabe Jizo created in this way have a mysterious charm and smile that seems to wash away the worries of everyday life.
When visiting Kongoji Zen Temple, please put your hands together in front of the Warabe Jizo statues. There are various forms of Warabe Jizo, so you may find your own favorite one.
Warabe Jizo Trail
The Warabe Jizo Trail is a team experience for families and friends in which the Zen Temple becomes a playing field. In order to find all Warabe Jizo statues on the temple ground, the team has to solve riddles and find hidden messages while on the trail. Sometimes it can get challenging, so if someone can't find a statue, people will get a hint at the temple office. Some of the clues are easy, some are tricky and can only be solved through intelligence and team spirit. The exciting chase takes you past some of the unexplored corners of the Zen temple.
Reception: 09am - 04pm
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Participation fee: 500 yen/person
Special goshuin stamp: 1000 yen (entrance fee included)
*You need to participate in the search to get the special goshuin.
*The locations of Warabejizo are annually changed. The new scavengerhunt will be announced on the first of January.
Reception: 09am - 04pm
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Participation fee: 500 yen/person
Special goshuin stamp: 1000 yen (entrance fee included)
*You need to participate in the search to get the special goshuin.
*The locations of Warabejizo are annually changed. The new scavengerhunt will be announced on the first of January.