• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • About Art Class Curator
    • Contact
    • Speaking
    • Media & Press
    • Programs for Schools
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Join
  • Member Login

Art Class Curator

Hands-on and Minds-curious Art Learning

  • Art & Artists
  • Art Connection Activities
  • Art Teacher Tips
  • Elements & Principles
  • Downloads & Resources
Home
  • About
    • About Art Class Curator
    • Contact
    • Speaking
    • Media & Press
    • Programs for Schools
  • Blog
    • Art & Artists
    • Elements & Principles
    • Art Connection Activities
    • Art Teacher Tips
    • Downloads & Resources
  • Book
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Join
  • Member Login

May 2, 2016

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: The Most Delightful Place on Earth

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

In my 2-3 days in Kyoto, Japan, I had half dozen moments where I said “this is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” I’m an art teacher. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful things, so that is really saying something! One of my favorite places from my whole trip was this little gem, the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple in the Arashiayama district of Kyoto.

Check out this delightful temple, and use the discussion questions and activities below to explore the temple with your students.

The Art Curator for Kids - Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple - Art Lesson with Discussion Questions

 

My sister mentioned there was a temple with many moss-covered sculptures of people, and I knew I had to see it! It was a little out of the way, but we ended up taking a gorgeous walk among traditional mossy thatched-roof houses to get there.

Arashiayama District, Walk to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

I was not disappointed by the extra travel to get there. Look at this total and utter arty deliciousness.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji TempleI honestly couldn’t contain my happiness at this moment. The temple grounds include 1,200 of these adorable statues of Rakkan, which are disciples of Buddha.

Rakkan Sculpture from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Each sculpture has its own personality and character, and each clearly was sculpted by a different person.

Rakkan Sculptures from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple4

The style and emotions capture your heart and make you smile.

Rakkan Sculptures from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

When I was visiting all of these sites in Japan, there were not a lot of signs or information in English about each place, and I didn’t have a data plan on my phone, so my information-seeking art history nerd self was stifled by the lack of info. This place did have a small brochure which provided the basic information.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple2

This temple dates back to the 8th century, but has had a series of unfortunate disasters that have caused it to be rebuilt and/or moved several times. The last time it was destroyed was in 1950 by a typhoon. It took 30 years to restore the temple.

Rakkan Sculptures from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple2

The sculptures were carved by worshippers and supporters of the temple in celebration of it’s restoration.

Art Discussion Questions

Have your students compare three of the sculptures and discuss them together.

  • Who do you think these sculpture represent?
  • What emotions do you notice?
  • What can you tell about the personality of the person?
  • Were these made by the same artist or different artists? How can you tell?

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Buddhist Rakkan Sculpture Lesson Plan

Invite them to make their own sculpture of an expressive figure using the following lesson sequence.

  1. Ask students to first make a list of the things artists can do to express emotion. Give them different emotions to discuss. Have them mimic the facial expressions they might use as well as the lines and colors that could express those feelings. Try silly, angry, distraught, and thoughtful.
  2. Look at the Buddhist Rakkan sculptures and discuss using the questions above. After discussing, tell students to story of the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and how different worshippers, not professional artists, carved and donated the sculptures to the temple.
  3. Have students write a story about a sculpture of their choosing.
  4. Have students pick an emotion and make an expressive sculpture. For older students, you could try having them carve using foam or soap, but you’d generally have better results using clay. The emotions would be easier to reproduce, and the children would feel more successful with the project.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Art and Artists

 

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

Beyond Dogs Playing Poker Dogs in Art-pinBeyond the Poker Table: 25 Dogs in ArtKandinsky Art Lesson for KidsEasy and Fun Kandinsky Art Lesson for KidsKehinde wiley art lessonPortraits for a New Century: Kehinde Wiley Art Lesson

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m Cindy Ingram, the creator of Art Class Curator and The Curated Connections Library

I’m on a mission to revolutionize education with the power of life-changing art connections. Art is not “extra”. Art is essential. We are empowering teachers to bridge the gap between art making and art connection, kindling a passion for art that will transform generations.

More About Me

Free Resource!

82 Questions About Art

82 questions you can use to start and extend conversations about works of art with your classroom. Free download includes a list plus individual question cards perfect for laminating!

Download

Free Resource!

82 Questions About Art

82 questions you can use to start and extend conversations about works of art with your classroom. Free download includes a list plus individual question cards perfect for laminating!

Enrollment in Curated Connections Library is currently open. Click here to join. Join our list to get more information and to get a free lesson from the vault! If you are purchasing for a school or school district, head over here for more information.

Check Out What’s New In The Shop

Experience Art: Engaging Art Criticism Discussions and Activities for Teachers and Students of All Ages
Call to Art: An Un-Conference for Art Educators
Curated Connections Library Membership
Perspectives High School Curriculum

More Products

Have You Listened to the Latest Podcast Episode?

Falling for Naudline Pierre’s Evocative Art: A Conversation with Madalyn (Part 2)

More Episodes

Testimonials

I like how this program, unlike other art class resource membership programs, feels authentic. It's like art matters more here, and not fancy flash-in-the-pan trendiness. The goal of Art Class Curator seemed to be helping kids develop a lifelong love and art appreciation versus "Hey, look. I painted this fish."
Erin A.
Your questions are helping me to delve into much deeper learning, and my students are getting better at discussion-and then, making connections in their own work. Art Class Curator is awesome!
Denise W.
Interestingly, my lower performing classes really get engaged in these [lessons] and come away with some profound thoughts!
Melissa G.
I had the most amazing 6th grade class today. They were jumping out of their seats with hands raised just to respond and give input. It was as if I was waving candy in front of them! They saw more and more and the ideas and interpretations unfolded. So cool!!! This is what makes teaching art so wonderful – thank you!!
Caroline G.
I just wanted to thank you for the invaluable resource you have through Art Class Curator. Not only do you have thought provoking activities and discussion prompts, but it saves me so much time in preparing things for myself! I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface with your site.
Maryjane F.

Get Art Inspiration To Your Inbox!

Enter your email address to get regular art inspiration to your inbox
plus a BUNDLE OF 6 FREE WORKSHEETS!
We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe.
Download

Free Worksheets!

*Free Bundle of Art Appreciation Worksheets*

In this free bundle of art worksheets, you receive six ready-to-use art worksheets with looking activities designed to work with almost any work of art.

Copyright © 2025 Ignite Art, LLC DBA Art Class Curator •  All rights reserved  •  Privacy Policy  •  Terms of Service  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs