Gango-ji
元興寺
Its predecessor was Asukadera, Japan's first official temple. Its roofs still carry tiles from the Asuka period, and it is a World Heritage site.
Gango-ji's predecessor was Hokoji (Asukadera), built in Asuka by Soga no Umako and moved to Heijo-kyo in 718. The Gokuraku-bo main hall and the meditation hall are both National Treasures. Some of the tiles on the roofs of the meditation hall and main hall were fired in the Asuka period more than 1,400 years ago. Known as Gyogi-buki, after the monk Gyogi, they have a reddish-brown color and are a highlight of the site. The grounds also contain the Ukito-den, a field of more than 2,000 stone Buddhas and stone pagodas. Admission is about 700 yen, and the temple is open from 9:00 to 17:00. Located in the center of Naramachi, it is easy to visit while strolling the old streets.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Naramachi
- Sarusawa Pond
- Kofuku-ji
- Higashimuki & Sanjo-dori Shopping Streets
- Ukimido Pavilion
- Nara National Museum
- Himuro Shrine
- Yoshikien Garden