Nestled in the small town of Ogori, about 50 minutes by train from Fukuoka, the Nyorin-ji Buddhist temple stands out for a surprising reason: it houses an impressive collection of over 5,000 frogs.
Nicknamed the "Frog Temple," this unique site has become a must-see for those curious about one-of-a-kind traditions.
What is the history of Nyorin-ji Temple?
Nyorin-ji Temple isn't just famous for its frog collection; it also boasts a rich and ancient history.
Founded in 729, the temple is dedicated to Gyôki, a renowned monk who carved a wooden statue of Nyôirin Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. This statue is particularly remarkable because it was sculpted from a single tree trunk and features six arms. Each hand holds an important symbol: one grasps a sacred jewel said to grant wishes, while another presents the Dharmachakra, the "Wheel of Law," a fundamental symbol in Buddhism.
This precious statue is kept hidden from public view most of the time and can only be seen once every 12 years. The next opportunity to view it will be in 2025, making it a rare event for devotees and those interested in Buddhist culture.
In 1586, the temple suffered severe damage from a fire during a war. However, it was restored in the early Edo period (17th century) under the direction of Arima Tadayori, the second feudal lord of the Kurume domain. Thanks to this reconstruction, the temple remains an active place of worship and now attracts over 30,000 visitors annually.
Why does Nyorin-ji Temple have a collection of frogs?
The origins of this unusual collection date back to the 1990s when the temple's head priest went on a trip to China. During his journey, he acquired jade frog figurines as souvenirs and brought them back to Japan.
But why frogs? The answer lies in a playful Japanese pun: the word for "frog" (カエル, kaeru) is pronounced the same way as the verb "to return" (帰る, kaeru). This double meaning inspired the priest to start collecting these small creatures, as they symbolize both a safe return and spiritual transformation.
Since then, the collection has continued to grow. Each year, new frogs are added, bringing the total to over 5,000 today. These figurines are scattered throughout the temple and its gardens, offering visitors a unique experience of searching for and counting the numerous frogs that inhabit the grounds.
What are the annual events at Nyorin-ji Temple?
The temple hosts several events throughout the year:
- January 1: New Year's Day prayer
- January 17: First Great Kannon Festival (fire-walking ceremony)
- February 11: Setsubun, Spring Festival
- April 24: Great Jizô Bodhisattva Festival
- July 17: Summer prayer
- August 24: Abhiseka ritual (Buddhist student confirmation for advancing to a higher level of practice)
