The Bodhisattva are made of wood (Japanese cypress). Some were carved as early as 1249. They stand in military columns defending the temple.
There are also 20 gods defending the temple. They stand in front of the army of Bodhisattva. The statues of Fujin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of storms and lightening) are particularly famous.
The temple is the site of a 400 year old archery competition. Held the second Sunday of January.
There are other archery (kyudo) demonstrations here throughout the year.
The temple's long veranda has always been a natural temptation for archers. The tradition of kyudo at the temple began in 1606 when a Samurai gave a archery demonstration — shooting 100 arrows the entire length of the veranda. He hit the target 51 times.
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