The Arako Kannon Temple houses one of the largest collections of carvings by the mysterious monk, Enku. (1632-1696) Born in neighboring Mino, Enku traveled the country, carving some 4,562 unique Buddhist images. Of those carvings, 3,116 can be found in Aichi prefecture, with 1,240 figures left to Enku’s close friend, the Arako Kannon’s 10th abbot, Ensei, following his stay in 1676.

During that stay, Enku is believed to have carved over a thousand figures, ranging from only a few centimeters high, to the huge three meter tall works seen guarding the temple’s ancient gates. In 1972, the temple’s chief priest opened some old boxes stored in the Tahoto Pagoda and discovered another 1,255 carefully packed Enku carvings. An Enku museum was established, and the collection is open to the public on the afternoon of the second Saturday of every month.

Entry to the temple is free, however there is a 500 Yen cover charge to see the Enku carvings. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Aichi on the second Saturday of the month, head on out to Arako Kannon Temple, to see the fascinating Buddhist carvings, and Nagoya’s oldest building.