Originally built in 766 Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple was rebuilt a few times since then, most notably by Kocho Nishimura, a statue sculptor and restorer who himself became a Buddhist monk.  Over 10 years stating in 1981 reconstruction was in full swing.  The main project was the construction of the 1200 carved statues that now cover the hillsides.  These are rakan, the followers of Buddha, created individually by everyday followers who made the pilgrimage to learn carving from Kocho Nishimura.  you can see the individuality and even elements of personality in each carving.

There are many bamboo forests in Japan, many of the most famous are in the outskirts of Kyoto.  This was one of the less popular ones, but none the less beautiful or majestic.