The Nine Amida Buddhas of Joruriji
The Wooden Seated Statues of Amida Nyorai (in the Main Hall) (木造阿弥陀如来坐像（本堂安置）) are nine Heian-period seated Amida Buddhas enshrined in the main hall, the Nine-Buddha Amida Hall, of Joruriji in Nishio, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture, and they were designated a National Treasure on November 22, 1952. They had first been protected under earlier law in 1901.
According to Joruriji's own commentary (JORURIJI LENS), a central figure of 221.0 centimetres stands in the middle of the altar, flanked on each side by four smaller figures averaging 140.8 centimetres, one figure in each of the central 9 ken (bays) of the hall, leaving 1 ken at each end.
Why They Are a National Treasure
Kizugawa City explains that amid the unrest of the late Heian period, devotion to Amida's Pure Land grew, and a long Amida hall was built at Joruriji to house nine Amida statues. Some 30 such nine-Buddha halls are said to have been built, mainly around Kyoto, but Joruriji's is the only one that survives.
Joruriji's commentary records that the hall was moved to the west bank of the pond in 1157 and came to be called the Nine-Buddha Amida Hall around 1166. That the nine statues survive together with their original hall, showing Heian Pure Land devotion exactly as it was arranged, is the core of their value.
What to Look For
Inside, nine Amida Buddhas sit in a single row along the long, narrow hall. The larger central figure with four smaller ones on each side shows clearly that the building and the statues were planned as one.
Look at the front of the hall too. Kizugawa City notes that its doors are arranged to correspond to the individual Buddhas, and Joruriji's commentary explains that each had its own door so that all nine could be worshipped from across the pond. From the east bank, compare the doors with the figures behind them.
Seeing the Nine Buddhas
The nine Buddhas are viewed in Joruriji's main hall. According to the Kizugawa City Tourism Association, the temple is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March to November (main hall entry until 4:30 p.m.) and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December to February (main hall entry until 3:30 p.m.), with admission of ¥500 for junior high school students and older.
Take the Tono Line community bus from JR Kamo Station to Joruriji-mae; there is parking (Kizugawa City and its tourism association). Enquiries go to Joruriji (0774-76-2390).
Q&A
- What are the Nine Amida Buddhas of Joruriji?
- Nine seated Amida Buddhas lined up in the main hall, with a larger central figure flanked by four on each side.
- When were they designated a National Treasure?
- On November 22, 1952.
- How big are the nine Amida Buddhas?
- According to Joruriji, the central figure is 221.0 centimetres and the eight others average 140.8 centimetres.
- Are there other nine-Buddha Amida halls?
- Some 30 were reportedly built in the Heian period, mainly around Kyoto, but only Joruriji's survives.
- What are Joruriji's hours and admission?
- According to the Kizugawa City Tourism Association, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from March to November and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from December to February; admission is ¥500.
Basic Information
| Name | Wooden Seated Statues of Amida Nyorai (in the Main Hall) (木造阿弥陀如来坐像（本堂安置）) |
|---|---|
| Location | Nishio, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture (Joruriji main hall) |
| Designation | National Treasure (Fine Arts and Crafts: Sculpture) |
| Year Designated | National Treasure 1952/11/22 (Showa 27); earlier designation 1901/8/2 (Meiji 34) |
| Quantity | 9 statues |
| Dimensions | Central figure 221.0 centimetres; the other eight average 140.8 centimetres (per Joruriji) |
| Owner | Joruriji |
| Public Access | Viewable in the main hall (admission ¥500) |
References
- 木造阿弥陀如来坐像（本堂安置） (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/213
- The Nine-Buddha Amida Hall (JORURIJI LENS, Joruriji)
- https://joruriji.jp/contents/content01/
- Joruriji (Kizugawa City)
- https://www.city.kizugawa.lg.jp/index.cfm/8,28744,36,421,html
- Joruriji (Kizugawa City Tourism Association)
- https://www.0774.or.jp/148/
Last verified: 2026.10.04