Temples
Temples
Temples 
Temples Obitoke-dera Temple – Prayers for Safe Childbirth & Fertility
Obitoke Temple is a peaceful Nara sanctuary known for prayers for safe childbirth and fertility, visited even by the Imperial Family.
Temples Taima-dera Temple & Area｜Legendary Tapestry & Sumo History
Taima-dera Temple enshrines a sacred tapestry said to be woven overnight by a noblewoman. Nearby, the Sumo Museum honors one of Japan’s earliest wrestlers and offers insight into sumo history.
Temples Jikoin Temple｜Famous Satsuki Garden & Sekishu Tea Ceremony Origin
Jikoin Temple overlooks the Nara Basin and is famous for its exquisite satsuki azalea garden. It is the birthplace of the Sekishu style of tea ceremony, where the tea rooms embody the beauty of wabi-sabi and tranquility.
Temples Shinyakushiji Temple｜Masterpieces of Early Buddhist Sculpture in Nara
Shinyakushiji, a quiet temple in Nara’s Takabatake area, features the Yakushi Nyorai and Twelve Heavenly Generals—masterpieces of early Buddhist sculpture. Located south of Kasuga Taisha, it's perfect for a peaceful stroll and cultural discovery.
Temples Gangoji Temple | Ancient Roof Tiles Preserved at this World Heritage Site
Gangoji Temple, a UNESCO site with roots in Asuka-dera, preserves thousands of ancient roof tiles in its Gokurakubo Hall. Its former grounds now form Naramachi, a charming historical district.
Temples Shigisanji Temple｜Tiger Symbol & Bishamonten Blessings
Shigisanji Temple honors Bishamonten, the god of warriors and fortune. Visiting on the Day of the Tiger is believed to bring special luck. The temple’s giant tiger statue is unique in Japan. Its full name, Chogosonshi-ji, was bestowed by Emperor Go-Daigo.
Temples Hannyaji Temple – 100,000 Cosmos Flowers
Hannyaji Temple is a historic site famous for its 100,000 autumn-blooming cosmos flowers. The temple preserves a National Treasure gate from the Kamakura era. It offers a harmonious blend of history and seasonal beauty.
Temples Butsuryuji Temple｜Thousand-Year Sakura & Spider Lilies
Butsuryu-ji is an ancient temple founded in the Heian period and known as the southern gate of Murou-ji. It's famed for its thousand-year-old cherry tree—the oldest and largest in Nara—and vivid spider lilies that bloom in early autumn.
Temples Ofusa Kannon｜Temple of Roses, Hydrangeas & Summer Festivals
Ofusa Kannon Temple is loved for its beautiful roses and hydrangeas, as well as its summer Wind Chime and Lantern Festivals. According to legend, the temple began when a local girl named Ofusa saw Kannon riding a white turtle.
Temples Matsuo-dera Temple｜Japan’s Oldest Site for Warding Off Misfortune
Matsuo-dera Temple on Mount Matsuo is Japan’s oldest temple for warding off misfortune. Founded in 718 by Prince Toneri, it was built during his critical age of 42, when he prayed for protection and the completion of the Nihon Shoki.