About Okadera Temple
Okadera Temple is a Shingon sect temple of the Buzan school located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Its official name is “Ryugai-ji Temple.” It is widely known as the seventh temple on the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage and as the “Temple of Flowers.”
History and Origin
This ancient temple is said to have been founded by the monk Gien on the site of the palace of Prince Kusakabe, son of Emperor Tenmu, and its history dates back to the late 7th century. The temple’s name originates from the legend of “Ryugai Pond,” where the monk Gien sealed away an evil dragon with his spiritual power. It was originally called “Ryugai-ji Temple” (龍蓋寺) and later became known as “Okadera” (岡寺) because it stands on a hill.
As Japan’s first temple for warding off evil, it has attracted the faith of people for over 1300 years.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Japan’s Largest Clay Buddha Statue: The Seated Nyoirin Kannon
The seated Nyoirin Kannon statue enshrined in the main hall is the largest clay Buddha statue in Japan, standing approximately 4.85 meters tall and weighing approximately 30 tons. It is believed to be a work from the Nara period and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Characterized by its soft expression and voluminous form, it is a devout object of worship for warding off evil.
Three-Storied Pagoda
The vermilion-painted three-storied pagoda, standing on a hill within the temple grounds, is beautiful when viewed across the garden of the study hall. Its harmony with the cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring and the autumn foliage is magnificent. It is one of the representative landscapes of Asuka Village.
Flowers of the Four Seasons
Okadera Temple is renowned as a “temple of flowers,” and the following times are particularly noteworthy:
- Spring (late April to early May): Approximately 3,000 rhododendron bushes adorn the temple grounds, and the “Tenjiku Botanka Pond” is filled with a fantastical scene of colorful dahlias covering the water’s surface.
- Early Summer (June): Hydrangeas adorn the approach to the temple.
- Autumn: Autumn leaves paint the temple grounds in vibrant colors.
Benefits
Okadera Temple is known as Japan’s first temple for warding off evil, and is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Protection from evil and disaster: Due to the legend of sealing a dragon, it is believed to ward off all kinds of calamities.
- Fulfillment of wishes: Nyoirin Kannon is worshipped as a Kannon who “grants wishes as you wish.”
- Safe Childbirth & Fertility: As a Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) that grants women’s wishes, it attracts many female worshippers.
Access
By Train & Bus
- Get off at Kashihara-jingumae Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line/Yoshino Line
- Get off at Okadera-mae bus stop on the Nara Kotsu Bus, then walk for about 10 minutes (mountain path)
- Alternatively, using the Asuka Sightseeing Bus (Akakame) is convenient
- Get off at Asuka Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, then walk for about 30 minutes
By Car
- Approximately 25 minutes from Katsuragi IC on the Minami-Hanna Expressway
- Approximately 40 minutes from Koriyama IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway
- Parking: Paid parking available (approximately 500 yen for a regular car)
Visiting Information
- Visiting Hours: 8:00~17:00 (8:00~16:30 from December to February)
- Admission Fee: Adults 400 yen, High school students 300 yen, Junior high school students 200 yen (Fees may vary during special viewing periods)
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 40-60 minutes, including strolling around the temple grounds
Nearby Attractions
Located in the heart of Asuka Village, it’s recommended to visit in conjunction with tours of Asuka period historical sites such as the Ishibutai Kofun, Asuka-dera Temple, and Tachibana-dera Temple. Cycling tours are also popular.
