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Traditional Japanese temple with a tiled roof, wooden sliding doors, and paper lanterns, surrounded by manicured trees and gravel courtyard under a sunny, partly cloudy sky.
Traditional Japanese temple with a tiled roof, wooden sliding doors, and paper lanterns, surrounded by manicured trees and gravel courtyard under a sunny, partly cloudy sky.
A traditional wooden Japanese bell tower is framed by blooming cherry blossom branches, with pink and white flowers in the foreground and a large bell hanging inside the structure.
A traditional Japanese building decorated with colorful vertical banners. A small wooden shrine and sign stand in the stone garden in front, with a person partly visible inside the entrance.
A lush green field stretches out in front of traditional Japanese buildings with tiled roofs and blooming cherry blossom trees under a clear blue sky.
A traditional Japanese courtyard garden with manicured trees, rocks, and moss, surrounded by wooden walkways and shoji screen doors, part of a serene building with a tiled roof.
Nara

Asuka-dera Temple

4.4 (2607)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Apr 18, 2026

Step into the serene world of Asuka-dera Temple, a pivotal site in Japan's rich tapestry of history and religion. Established in the year 596, Asuka-dera Temple is one of Japan's first Buddhist temples, founded during a transformative period when Buddhism was just beginning to take root in the country.

Located in the Asuka region, often regarded as the birthplace of Japanese civilization, the temple was initially constructed under the direction of Prince Shotoku. This influential prince is celebrated for his role in promoting Buddhism across Japan. The centerpiece of Asuka-dera is its majestic Asuka Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha statue. This statue is not only one of the earliest of its kind in Japan but also a masterpiece of Buddhist art, illustrating the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Asuka period.

Today, Asuka-dera Temple offers more than historical insights. The temple grounds exude a peaceful ambiance, set against the lush backdrop of Asuka's rolling landscapes, dotted with ancient kofun (tumuli) and historical ruins. This tranquil setting provides a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the past and the spiritual heritage that shapes present-day Japan.

Hours:

9:00 to 5:30 (Reception closes at 5:15 PM)

Closed:

Year-end and New Year holidays.

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome.

Fees:

General/College students: 350 yen

High school/junior high school student: 250 yen

Elementary school student: 200 yen


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone
+81 744-54-2126
Website
yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp


The area

Address
682 Asuka, Takaichi District, Nara 634-0103, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Phone

+81 744-54-2126

Website

yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp

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What other travelers are saying about Asuka-dera Temple

A peaceful and historical temple with Japan’s oldest Buddha statue. The calm atmosphere makes it a nice place to visit and reflect.

Nearby attractions to see

Traditional Japanese temple buildings with tiled roofs and colorful banners hang on the main structure, surrounded by trees and shrubs in a hilly landscape under a cloudy sky. Visitors are visible near the entrance.

Okadera Temple

Tachibana-dera Temple

Tachibana-dera Temple

Large ancient rocks form a low stone structure in a grassy area, surrounded by trees and dense forested hills in the background, under a bright sky.

Ishibutai Kofun (Stone Chamber Tomb)

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple

Nearby attractions to see

Traditional Japanese temple buildings with tiled roofs and colorful banners hang on the main structure, surrounded by trees and shrubs in a hilly landscape under a cloudy sky. Visitors are visible near the entrance.

Okadera Temple

Tachibana-dera Temple

Tachibana-dera Temple

Large ancient rocks form a low stone structure in a grassy area, surrounded by trees and dense forested hills in the background, under a bright sky.

Ishibutai Kofun (Stone Chamber Tomb)

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple


More about Asuka-dera Temple from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors can view the temple's main hall, several ancient statues, including a notable Buddha statue, believed to be one of the oldest in Japan and various archeological artifacts related to the temple's rich history.

Yes, there is a small entrance fee for visitors to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the temple and its historical artifacts.

The temple hosts various Buddhist ceremonies and seasonal festivals throughout the year. Notable events include the Buddha’s Birthday celebration and special observances during the New Year.

Photography may be restricted in certain areas, especially inside the main hall where sacred artifacts are housed. It's recommended to follow posted signs and guidelines or ask staff for permission.

Nearby attractions include the Asuka Historical Museum, Kameishi (Turtle Stone), and the Asuka landscape with its ancient burial mounds. The area is rich in historical sites reflecting Japan's early state formation.
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Poppy
Nov 8, 2025
A must-visit in Japan🇯🇵 if you fancy Han Buddhist History @ East Asia🌞 Asuka-dera (Hōkō-ji) was built as the family temple of the Soga clan between the end of the 6th century and the beginning of the 7th century, and was the first Buddhist temple in Japan to have a fully-fledged temple complex. Two Great Monks 惠慈(Goguryeo) and 慧聪(Baekje) came Japan to preach Han Buddhism and stayed @ Asuka-dera, highly recommend to visit here and pay respect to Han Buddhism Route📖
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Sophia W
Aug 27, 2025
1400 years old Duddha statue reminiscence the battle between Soga and Mononoge who built temples and shrines respectively. Believe in religion when no science.
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Caz Yokoyama
Jan 7, 2026
The oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, and the oldest statue at 1400 years old. A bit out of the way, but we'll worth a visit.
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Roland Horne
Mar 25, 2025
Great anciant Buddhist temple in Japan! Gilt bronze statue of Great Buddha, called Asuka Daibutsu is impressive.
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imonkco
Sep 23, 2025
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