People who visit Mt. Oyama usually stick to the cable car or hiking routes that bring you straight up the mountain to Oyama Dera Temple or Afuri Jinja Shrine. But there is actually a lot more in the area to see, including the small, slightly out of the way, Chato-dera (or Sato-dera) Temple. In this temple, tea ceremony masses are held 101 days after someone has died. There are also many Buddhist statues on the grounds and along the road and path leading to the temple. Some of the statues have a special marking キ (ki) on them indicating that they were made by secret Christians.
- 1 min read
Chatodera Temple, Oyama
A small, interesting temple on the slopes of Mt. Oyama
Community writer
Chanting
Small alcoves like this are a common way to protect statues
One of the many statues along the road and path leading to the temple
Jizo statues line the street in front ot the temple
They are quite old, but still well cared for
On the path leading into the temple
In front of the temple building
Entrance to Chato-dera
In silent prayer
A look at the temple building and statues from behind
Three very old statues in front of the temple building
These two statues face the temple
Join the discussion
Elena Lisina
5 years ago
Great shots!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
3Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
4I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
5A Journey Through an Edo Castle Town From Art Hotel Narita
Chiba - Sponsored -
6Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
7Golden Route to West Japan: Hiroshima & Fukuoka
Hiroshima - Sponsored -
8Photogenic Miyazaki: Relaxation and Discovery
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
9Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
10Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
6Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
8Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
9Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
10November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka