Kairyuouji Temple

Kairyūōji

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Kairyuouji Temple, established during the Nara period, is where Genbo, a member of the Kentoshi, introduced the latest Buddhist teachings to Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo. This temple, brimming with history and tradition, houses numerous precious cultural assets, including a National Treasure five-story pagoda and the West Golden Hall, an Important Cultural Property.

Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples

Tourist destination images of Kairyuouji Temple(1)

Tourist destination images of Kairyuouji Temple(2)

Tourist destination images of Kairyuouji Temple(3)

HighlightsNational Treasure Five-Story Pagoda
Important Cultural Property West Golden Hall
Beautiful Eleven-headed Kannon
Temple Steeped in History and Tradition
Temple Associated with Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo

Basic Information

Address: 897 Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Nara

Access: ・From Kintetsu Nara Station (Platform 13), take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for “Yamato-Sai Daiji Station/Ko-ku-ji-taisen Mae” and get off at Hokkeji-mae. The temple is a short walk from there. ・From JR Nara Station (West Exit, Platform 15), take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for “Yamato-Sai Daiji Station/Ko-ku-ji-taisen Mae” and get off at Hokkeji-mae. The temple is a short walk from there. ・From Kintetsu Yamato-Sai Daiji Station (North Bus Terminal), take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for “JR Nara Station” and get off at Hokkeji-mae. The temple is a short walk from there. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: None

Fee: Adults: ¥500, Junior high & High school students: ¥200, Elementary school students: ¥100 (During special openings: Adults: ¥600, Junior high & High school students: ¥300, Elementary school students: ¥100)

INFO: ・You will be asked to leave by 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM. ・Closed for temple events from August 12th to 17th, and December 24th to 31st. ・For wheelchair and power wheelchair access, please note that there are a few steps at the entrance to the temple grounds from the approach. While we will do our best to assist, please understand that assistance may not always be possible, especially if the staff on duty are women or elderly. ・Entry into the various halls is not permitted.

HP: http://www.kairyuouji.jp/

Overview

Kairyuouji Temple, deeply revered by Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo, is a place where the history of the Nara period is vividly preserved. The National Treasure five-story pagoda, built at the Emperor's behest, is a magnificent structure showcasing the advanced technology of the time. Its breathtaking beauty captivates visitors, transporting them back to the Nara period. Inside the pagoda, the Five Wisdom Buddhas (Gochi Nyorai) are enshrined, each Buddha representing one of the five wisdoms, each with a unique expression and form. The West Golden Hall (Saikin-do), an Important Cultural Property, is part of the remaining structure of Empress Komyo's palace, a must-see for history enthusiasts. Rebuilt in the Heian period, the hall houses an eleven-headed Kannon statue (Juichimen Kannon) crafted during the Kamakura period. Known for its elegant form, this statue captivates many. Kairyuouji Temple offers not only a journey through history and culture but also a tranquil space for reflection. The temple grounds feature a beautiful garden where flowers bloom throughout the year, offering a serene and ever-changing landscape.