March - September 2020

Walk in the old town toward Shinyakushiji Temple
where the Twelve Heavenly Generals glare
Strolling around a retro hot-spring townｗith the grand view of Mt. Omine, the sacred site for Shugendo
Hidden Treasures & Buddhas Special Public Openings

Photo：Peak of Mt. Omine (Sanjogadake)［大峰山（山上ヶ岳）山頂］

Walk in the old town toward Shinyakushiji Temple
where the Twelve Heavenly Generals glare

Machiya, we also recommend you to visit “Naramachi
Koshino Ie” a residence from that period located about
400m south of Gangoji Temple.
After enjoying the Naramachi stroll, head east acrossRoute 169 to “Takabatake”. Takabatake was once thetown where the serving Shinto priests of Kasugataisha
Shrine resided. At first, you will find modern residences,
but as you head east, the old clay walls and the remnantsof the priest’s residences will become more prominent,with an atmosphere that is quite different from theMachiya residences of Naramachi.
Shinyakushiji Temple blends into such a cityscape.
The temple was built in the mid-8th century. The main
hall is dominated by an elegant seated Yakushi Nyorai—the Buddha of healing—protected by the Twelve
Heavenly Generals, National Treasures. The Twelve
Heavenly Generals are earthen statues that haveremained unchanged since the establishment of thetemple, and their lively standing poses attract many
Buddhist statue enthusiasts.

Nostalgic scenery with earthen walls in Takabatake

The easiest way to make your way back would be to take a bus departing from theWariishi-cho bus stop. If you have time, however, it is also worth walking a little
further north through the town and onto Sasayaki-no-Komichi Lane. Formerly acommuting route for the Shinto priests who once lived in Takabatake, this pathstretches through the beautiful greenery of Nara Park to the Ni-no-Torii Gate
at Kasugataisha Shrine, where the Kasugataisha Honden bus stop is within astone’s throw.

To the south of Nara Park where the deer roam around, there are areas called “Naramachi” and “Takabatake” where oldtownscape still remains. Take a walk around the compact areas to get a real sense of Japan’s yesteryear.
Naramachi area :https://www.visitnara.jp/destinations/area/naramachi/Sasayaki-no-Komichi Lane

Gangoji Temple

1. Gangoji Temple

Naramachi extends along Nara Park, to the south of Kohfukuji
Temple. After leaving Kintetsu Nara Station, head towards Sarusawaike
Pond where you can glimpse the scenery of Kohfukuji’s five-storied
pagoda reflected on the water’s surface. Then proceed along thenarrow path extending southwest from the pond until you reach theintersection of the main road of “Naramachi Odori”. Turn left on
this road and you will see the entrance to Gangoji Temple Gokurakubo
on your right.

9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30) 0742-23-1377 500 yen⃝Approx. 12-min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. ⃝Approx. 20-min walkfrom JR Nara Station.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00495/
Photo : Gangoji Temple

Todaiji Temple

Kintetsu Nara Station

2. Shinyakushiji Temple

Kohfukuji Temple
Nara National Museum
Kohfukuj's Five-Storied
PagodaSanjo DoriIchi-no-Torii Gate

Sarusawaike Pond

Nara Park

Kasugataisha Honden
Kasugataisha Shrine

UkimidoSasayaki-noKomichi Lane

Nara Hotel
Naramachi Odori169

1Gangoji Temple

Zuto

Naramachi
Fukuchi-in Temple
areaJurin-in Temple
Naramachi Koshino Ie

2

Ni-no-Torii Gate

Wariishi-cho

Former Residence ofShiga Naoya

Takabatake

2Shinyakushiji Temple

Fuku-inTemple

元興寺

The Gokuraku-do main hall (National Treasure) and Zen room
(National Treasure) are the only remains of the former monks’quarters of Gangoji Temple, with some 1,400 years old tiles stillused on the roof. This temple is registered as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.

Naramachi Koshino Ie Photo : Nara CityGangoji Temple was the first temple in Japan, partly built in Asuka inthe 6th century, before being relocated to its current location when
Heijokyo became the new capital. At present, only the Gokurakubo,
Shotoin Temple, and the pagoda ruins remain, however the temple wasoriginally a vast complex, comparable to Todaiji and Kohfukuji
Temples. The Treasure House (Horinkan) houses various treasures
including the small five-storied pagoda (National Treasure) from the
8th century. After your visit, please take a stroll around Naramachi
and learn about traditional Japanese living within the area, narrow
alleys lined with wooden houses dating from the 19th and early 20thcenturies called “Machiya”. If you would like to know more about

新薬師寺

Photo : Askaen Co. Ltd.

Shinyakushiji Temple was founded by Empress Komyo to pray forthe recovery of her husband, Emperor Shomu, who is famous as thefounder of Todaiji Temple. The main hall (National Treasure) is thebuilding that is still remaining from that time.
9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
0742-22-3736
600 yenTake the city circularbus from JR / Kintetsu Nara
Station, get off at Wariishicho Stop, and walk for about
10 minutes.
https://www.visitnara.
jp/venues/A00496/

Photo : Shinyakushiji Temple

3Strolling around a retro hot-spring town
With the grand view of Mt. Omine, the sacred site for Shugendo

spring. You will notice the signs of “Daranisukegan”
around the street, which is a panacea made aroundthe 7th century by En-no-gyoja, who is the founderof Shugendo ascetic practices and is still used today
as stomach medicine.
After enjoying the street atmosphere, head to Ryusenji
Temple along prefectural road No. 48. It is said thatthe temple was founded in the 7th century by Enno-gyoja, who found natural spring water wellingup from rocks. En-no-gyoja enshrined Hachidai-Ryuo
in the temple. Even now, there is plenty of water and
it is customary for Shugendo practitioners to purify
themselves with this natural spring water before
entering Mt. Omine.
If you stay in Dorogawa, enjoy the atmosphere of thehot spring town at night when the lanterns are lit.
Relax in the hot springs that make your skin smooth,and enjoy the local cuisine using natural produce
from the mountain village. The next day, a visit isrecommended to Mitarai Valley to the south of the
hot spring town where you’ll find large and small
waterfalls, big rocks and beautiful emerald green
streams of clear water. The valley is about 45 minutes
on foot from the Kawai bus stop. The number of theoperating buses are limited, therefore, plan carefully inadvance.

Mitarai Valley

Mt. Omine, towering in the southern part of Nara Prefecture, is a sacred mountain that is worshipped as a sacred place for Shugendo,
the ascetic practice, which is a fusion of ancient Japanese mountain faith and Buddhism. Dorogawa Onsen town, that spreads out
along the western foot of the mountain, has developed as a mountaineering base for those who practice in the mountains (practitionersof the Shugendo). The atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring town still remains in the town where lanterns are hung along
the Japanese Inns that have Engawa, a Japanese verandah-like porch.
Dorogawa Onsen area :https://www.visitnara.jp/destinations/area/dorogawa/Dorogawa Onsen Town Photo : MIKI

Photo : MIKI
Gorogoro-Mizu (spring water)

Dorogawa Onsen Town is about 80 minute bus ride from ShimoichiguchiStation, Kintetsu Yoshino Line. This town spreads along the Sanjogawa
River flowing from Mt. Omine. Located at an altitude of 800m above sea
level and cool even in summer, the town is especially popular during theperiod when the mountain is open (from 3 May to 23 September).
The Dorogawa area is a limestone plateau that is easily eroded by rainwater.
There are many limestone caves, some of which are maintained forsightseeing. Menfudo Limestone Cave, located in the northeastern areaof Dorogawa Onsen bus stop, is one. The temperature of the cave isaround 8 ℃ year-round. The cave is lit up by colourful illuminations,making it look like an underground palace. Though located on a steep
mountain, this mysterious natural form is easily accessed by an electricmonorail running fromthe hot spring town.
After enjoying the beautyof the limestone cave, it’s
Menfudo Monorail "Dorokko"
Photo: Tenkawa Village
time to take a stroll in the
hot spring town itself.
Dorogawa Onsen has two main streets, prefectural road No. 48 on the right bank of theSanjogawa River and No. 21 on the left bank. Note that the prefectural road No. 21 has many
traditional wooden inns and souvenir shops that create the magical ambience of traditional hot
spring resorts. Along the road, there is “Yado Hanaya Tokubei,” the oldest inn at Dorogawa
Onsen founded about 500 years ago. If you go further east from Hanaya Tokubei, there is a
Menfudo Limestone Cave
Photo: Tenkawa Village“Gorogoro Chaya” where you can sample “Gorogoro-Mizu” (spring water) from a natural
4

Daranisukegan

Ryusenji Temple

Mt. Omine Dorogawa Onsen Gyoja FestivalThe festival is held every year on the 2nd and3rd August around the Dorogawa Onsen area.

龍泉寺
One of the Goji-in Temples at the Ominesanji
Temple atop Mt. Omine. In the precincts,
there is a fountain that also serves as awater line. The main hall that enshrines
Miroku Bosatsu (the principal image)
statue, along with the En-no-gyoja andRigen-daishi statues, is guarded by astriking pair of male and female demon
figures, Zenki and Goki.
8:00-17:00
0747-64-0001
FreeTake a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Dorogawa Onsen
from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi station, then approx.
5-min walk from Dorogawa Onsen bus stop.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00889/

5Hidden Treasures & Buddhas

Special Public Openings
March to September 2020

Yakushiji Temple⃝Navigator / Lee Paul Walton

Lee has been living andworking in Nara for 17
years. He has been working
freelance in the tourism
industry as a graphic
designer, translator andphotographer since 2015.

Murouji Temple

室生寺
Since ancient times, Mt. Murou has been regarded as a sacred site where a divine dragon
resides. On the hillside of Mt. Murou stands Murouji Temple which was founded at the endof the 8th century. Particularly noteworthy is the temple’s five-storied pagoda which ispraised for its perfectly balanced figure. The pagoda is the smallest in Japan of this kindconstructed outside and the second oldest. The temple is a popular site for seasonal scenerysuch as cherry blossoms in spring and coloured leaves in autumn. However, the best
highlight of the temple is its splendid rhododendrons in early May. A number of people
visit the temple and appreciate the beauty of rhododendrons.

Yakushiji Temple is a massive temple complex located adjacent to Kintetsu Nishinokyo
Station. The vast temple precinct consists of two parts: the Hakuho Garan with Kondo
Hall, East and West Pagodas; and the Genjo-sanzoin Garan with the Wall Painting of theGreat Tang of the Western Regions. Most of the structures were rebuilt after 1968 and thevermilion paint remains vivid. The East Pagoda (National Treasure) is a three-storied
pagoda which has stood here since the temple’s foundation over 1300 years ago. Although
it appears to be six-stories with six roofs, three of the roofs are decorative, thus, the interior
is a three-storied structure with perfect balance. The principal images are three statues ofYakushi Sanzon (National Treasure) which are claimed to be superb masterpieces ofancient Buddhist statues made of gold and bronze.

❶ Special opening of the Jikido Hall
❷ Special opening of the interior of the first floor of the West Pagoda and the statue of Shaka
Shiso (including Important Cultural Properties)❸ Special exhibition of the Wall Painting of the Great Tang of the Western Regionsin the Genjo-sanzoin Garan❶❷❸ Spring: Sunday 1 March - Tuesday 30 June, Obon: Thursday 13 - Saturday 15 August, Autumn:
Wednesday 16 September - Monday 30 November

Yakushi Sanzon (National Treasure)
Photo: Yakushiji Temple

The statue of Shaka Shiso created by a Japanese sculptor, Shinya Nakamura, will be open to the publicin the interior of the first floor of the West Pagoda. Jikido Hall exhibits a massive painting by the Japanesepainter, Toshio Tabuchi, with a total width of 50 meters. It mainly depicts Amida Sanzon (the temple’sprincipal image) in the Buddhist Pure Land. The Wall Painting of the Great Tang of the Western Regions bythe renowned Japanese painter, Ikuo Hirayama, depicting the great journey made by Genjo Sanzo, a highly
respected Chinese monk, will be exhibited at the Genjo-sanzoin Garan.

Treasure HallThe Treasure Hall will be opened from Tuesday
17 March.
The new Temple Treasure Hall has just been
completed in front of the Niomon Gate thisPhoto : Murouji Temple
spring. Some of the priceless Buddhist statues
were moved from the Kondo Hall to the new Treasure Hall which includes an Eleven-faced Kannon(National Treasure), Jizo Bosatsu (Important Cultural Property) and Twelve Heavenly Generals(Important Cultural Properties).

Walking about 700 meters to the east from Murouji Temple, there is Murou Ryuketsu-jinja Shrine.
There is a legend that a divine dragon resides in a cave in the inner part of the precinct.

薬師寺❶ Main image at Jikido Hall: Painting of Amida
Sanzon in the Buddhist Pure Land
Photo : Yakushiji Temple

The East Pagoda (National Treasure) has long been under restoration but it is scheduled to be completedin April, 2020. The celebratory ceremony for the grand completion will be held in May (→P8).

8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30, no admission during ceremonies)
0742-33-6001❶ ❷ 500 yen *Regular admission fee will be charged additionally.
❸ Regular admission (incl. Hakuho Garan & Genzo-sanzoin) 1,100 yen * ❶❷❸ Special combination ticket 1,600 yen⃝ A short walk from Kintetsu Nishinokyo
Station. ⃝ Take a bus bound for Nara Pref. General Medical Center from either JR or Kintetsu Nara Station and get off at Yakushiji, and then a short walk to the temple.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00499/

Eleven-faced Kannon (National Treasure)
Photo : Murouji Temple

8:30-17:00 (Treasure Hall: 9:00-16:00) *Seasonally changed.
0745-93-2003
600 yen (additional 400 yen will be charged to enter the Treasure Hall)
Take a bus bound for Murouji from Kintetsu Murouguchi Ono Station and get off at the last stop, and then a 5-min. walk to the temple.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00527/

Horyuji Temple
Kairyuouji Temple

Horyuji Temple was established by Prince Shotoku, in the early 7th century. Thetemple was burnt down in a fire in 670 but was restored shortly thereafter. TheKondo Hall (National Treasure), the five-storied pagoda (National Treasure) andsome other structures which remain unchanged since the time of the restoration
are regarded as the world’s oldest wooden architecture. The temple possesses
countless numbers of important temple treasures including approximately 3000
National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Horyuji Temple is Japan’s
first Buddhist temple which was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Sitein 1993.

海龍王寺
The founder of Kairyuouji Temple was a Buddhist monk named Genbo who travelled
and studied during the Tang Dynasty (China) in the 8th century as a Japanese envoy.
Walk through the atmospheric approach and there stands a number of massive temple
structures such as the Main Hall and Saikondo Hall (Important Cultural Property).
Since the temple was originally founded for the purpose of praying for the envoy’s safe
voyage, many people visit the temple to pray for their safety before setting off for travelor studying abroad. The temple grounds are also a popular site for enjoying Yukiyanagi(Thunberg's meadowsweet).

Photo: Nara City Tourism Association (Tatehiko Yano)❶ Horyuji Temple Treasure Exhibition (including
Important Cultural Properties)

Statue of Eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu, Temple
Treasure Exhibition (including Important CulturalProperties)❷ Yumedono Hall’s Kuse Kannon Bosatu (NationalMonday 23 March - Tuesday 7 April, Friday 1 May Saturday 9 May❶ Friday/national holiday 20 March - Sunday 31 May❷ Saturday 11 April - Monday 18 MayTreasure)

Photo : Nara Visitors Bureau

The exhibition showcases an array of valuable cultural assets from the early 7th century up to the present day including
some of the temple treasures which are not generally open to the public. The statue of Kuse Kannon (National Treasure),which is said to be the life-size statue of Prince Shotoku, will also be on display.

The principal image, a Statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon Bosatsu (Important Cultural Property) was created aroundthe 13th century. The statue had long been hidden from the public, and its colour remains beautifully vibrant.

The small five-storied pagoda (National Treasure) situated in the Saikondo Hall (Important CulturalProperty) is highly valued as its structure has remained unchanged since the temple’s foundationin the 8th century.
9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:50)
0742-33-5765
600 yen⃝Go to Yamato Saidaiji Station from Kintetsu Nara Station, and take a bus bound for Koku Jieitai, or take a bus boundfor JR/Kintetsu Nara Station from Kintetsu Yamato Saidaiji Station and get off at Hokkeji, for the short walk to the temple.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/C02226/⃝ Approx. 15-min. walk from Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station.
6法隆寺

Horyuji Temple is nestled in an area known as Ikaruga. This idyllic town with its pleasant view of the surrounding
fields is a good choice for strolling or cycling around. Nearby Horinji Temple and Hokiji Temple also have beautiful
three-storied pagoda which are called “Three Pagodas in Ikaruga” along with the pagoda of Horyuji Temple.

Photo : Askaen Co. Ltd.

❷ Yumedono Hall’s Kuse Kannon
Bosatu (National Treasures)
Photo : Askaen Co. Ltd.

0745-75-2555❶ 9:00-16:30 (last entry 16:00) ❷ 8:00-17:00❶ Admission to Daihozoin (Gallery of Temple Treasures) : 500 yen *Toin Garan and Saiin GaranCombination Ticket is also required. ❷ Toin Garan and Saiin Garan Combination Ticket 1500 yen⃝Take a bus bound for Horyuji Sando from JR Horyuji Station and getoff at the last stop, and a short walk to the temple. ⃝Take a bus bound for Oji Station from Kintetsu Tsutsui Station and get off at Horyuji-mae Stop, and a short walk to thetemple.
https://www.visitnara.jp/venues/A00506/
7

Celebratory Ceremony for the Grand Completionof the East Pagoda (National Treasure) of
Yakushiji Temple
Friday 1 – Sunday 10 May

Yakushiji Temple Hakuho Garan

Photo : Askaen Co. Ltd.

Yakushiji Temple was founded in the late 7th century in the Asuka region of central Nara Prefecture. Later in the early 8thcentury, the whole temple compound was moved to its present loca�on nearby Nishinokyo Sta�on. The East Pagoda(Na�onal Treasure) is a rare architectural example which has existed from the very beginning of the temple’s history. Itsdigniﬁed beauty is o�en acclaimed as like “Frozen Music.” Restora�on work started in 2009 and thus this exquisite pagoda
has long been hidden from the public eye. However, the restora�on is scheduled for comple�on in April, 2020 and theEast Pagoda will reveal its splendid ﬁgure once again a�er being covered for over a decade. From 1 to 10 May, theCelebratory Ceremony for the Grand Comple�on of the East Pagoda will take place and the general public is invited to join.

Celebrating the Grand Completion of the East Pagoda (National Treasure): Special Opening of the Interior of the East Pagoda
Friday 1 May, 2020 – Sunday 17 January, 2021

Access from Japan's Major Cities
From Kyoto

From Osaka

Kyoto
Osaka

Approx. 35 min

Approx. 35 min●●(Kintetsu Kyoto Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)(Kintetsu Osaka-Namba Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)JR Nara Sta.

From Chubu Centrair Int’l Airport
From Kansai Int’l Airport● KintetsuKintetsu● Yamato-Yagi Sta.
Kashihara
Jingu-mae Sta.

Approx. 2h 25 min

Approx. 1h 30 min(Meitetsu Chubu Int'l Airport Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)(JR Kansai Airport Sta. - JR Nara Sta.)

Approx. 2h 31 min

Approx. 1h 35 min(Meitetsu Chubu Int'l Airport Sta. - JR Nara Sta.)

Kintetsu-Nara Sta.

(Nankai Kansai-Airport Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)

NaraMie

From Nagoya

From Hiroshima

Approx. 1h 37 min(JR Nagoya Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)

Approx. 2h 40 min(JR Hiroshima Sta. - JR Nara Sta.)

Narita Airport
Nara

From Fukuoka
Approx. 3h 50 min

Fukuoka Airport
Osaka Airport(JR Hakata Sta. - JR Nara Sta.)

From Tokyo

Wakayama

Approx. 3h 10 min

Kansai Int’l Airport

The NARA Visitor Center & Inn(JR Tokyo Sta. - Kintetsu-Nara Sta.)

Haneda Airport

Nara Travel Guide

https://www.visitnara.jp/

Address:3 Ikeno-cho, Nara
Phone:0742-81-7461(8:00-21:00)
https://www.sarusawa.nara.jp/

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English translation by Lee Paul Walton

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Published by Nara Prefecture Printed January 2020