Rakan-ji Temple, built in 1764, to provide the miners' souls with eternal rest, is very close to the Iwami Ginzan silver mine museum. On the other side of the stream, niches carved out of the rock face (Gohyaku-rakan) are home to 500 rakan, disciples of Buddha, entrusted with the task of watching over the souls of the dead miners. Each carved face has a different expression, smiling, sad, etc., to such an extent that many visitors are convinced they recognise a loved one.