Shoryaku-ji Temple is located in the southern part of Nara City, at the eastern base of the Nara Basin mountains.
Founded in 993, it is also known as Bodaisen Shoryaku-ji.
The temple is famous for its many maple trees and its historical connection to the birthplace of sake.
The temple grounds feature over 3,000 maple trees and have long been referred to as “Nishiki no Sato” (the Village of Brocade) because of their vibrant autumn colors.
Additionally, the clear-flowing Bodaisen River runs through the temple grounds, and its water was traditionally used for brewing sake.
Sake brewing at Shoryaku-ji Temple flourished around 700 years ago, and the sake produced there was highly prized under the name “Bodaisen.”
Although sake brewing was originally forbidden in temples, it was permitted at Shoryaku-ji as part of offerings to the deities, using rice from the temple’s estates.
A few hundred years ago, during the Muromachi period, Shoryakuji developed important techniques that became the foundation of modern sake production.
These included a three-step process for adding the koji (malted rice) and a method of heating the sake to prevent spoilage.
The green maple leaves in summer are also beautiful.
This is the clear stream of the Bodaisen River.
The “Crying and Laughing Jizo” are two statues located at the site of the South Great Gate ruins at the entrance of Shoryaku-ji Temple.
They stand in front of two cedar trees. It is difficult to distinguish which one is crying and which one is laughing, but the Jizo on the left, as you face them, appears to be smiling slightly.
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