Hidden just around the corner from Ryusenji in Meguro, Gohyakurakanji, though from the outside it doesn't particularly look like one, is very different from most other temples. Inside are wooden effigies of monks who attained enlightenment each one carved by the same monk starting in 1691. Due to fires throughout history and in particular the fire bombs of WWII, of the 536 original wooden statues only 278 remain intact today. Visitors are able to walk through halls filled with these statues and even attend ceremonies in a main hall with massive wooden statues of Buddhist deities while also being surrounded by past monks.

For the casual: 9. For the educated: 9.

Gohyakurakanji is a bit expensive to enter, but it is absolutely worth it. To stand in halls filled with individual wooden effigies of real people is not a common experience for most. The smell of the wood also is a major allure to the great beauty of the temple.