Kyoto · JP

Seiryōji (Saga Shakadō) Temple

In the quiet Saga quarter of western Kyoto, a short stroll from the Arashiyama crowds, Seiryō-ji hides one of Japan's most influential Buddha statues. Known to locals as Saga Shakadō—the Saga Hall of Śākyamuni—its principal image is a standing wooden Śākyamuni (Shaka Nyorai), a National Treasure and a hibutsu, or 'hidden Buddha,' shown only at rare intervals. That single statue redefined how the historical Buddha was carved across Japan, giving rise to the celebrated 'Seiryōji style.' But the temple is more than one famous image: its grounds are threaded through with The Tale of Genji, its treasure hall preserves a 'living Buddha' complete with silk internal organs, and each March its fire ritual lights up the Saga night.