Gangoji Temple

[Roof tiles from the sixth century]
This temple, originally called Asukadera Temple (or Hokoji Temple), was constructed by Soga Umako at the end of the sixth century. The Gokurakudo (main hall) and Zenshitsu (meditation hall) are National Treasures decorated with roof tiles that date back to the Asuka (552-645) and Nara (710-784) periods. The Zenshitsu is significant as it was constructed based on the style of the old monk's chambers and dates back to the Tenpyo period. National Treasures like the wooden five-story pagoda and Important Cultural Properties like the carved statue of Amida Buddha and the zen master Kukai, along other artifacts made in Nara Period, are kept in storage on the temple grounds.

[Admission] Adults: ¥500, Junior High and High School Students: ¥300, Elementary-school students: ¥100
[Access] 12 min walk from Kintetsu Nara Stn; 20 min walk from JR Nara Stn
[Credit Card Payments] No
[Multilingual Services] English pamphlets