- Culture
- Nara
Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera, known as the flower temple
Hase-dera Temple was established in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, in 686 as the main temple of the Buzan Branch of the Shingon Sect. It has long been a sacred spot for Kannon worshippers who come to this temple to admire the largest Kannon statue in Japan. It is also famous as a temple of flowers, as visitors can view a variety of seasonal flora on its grounds all through the year.
Temple known for the chanting of priests
When you are at this temple, you will probably hear the ethereal sound of chanting priests. There are around 60 priests participating in daily training that includes chanting from early morning to evening. They conduct a morning service paying homage to the temple's principle image, the eleven-faced Kanzeon Bosatsu. This Kannon also makes an appearance in the oldest novel in the world, "The Tale of Genji," and "Makura-no-Soshi" (The Pillow Book, a collection of essays written in the 11th century).
Flower Temple
Hase-dera Temple is also known as the flower temple as it showcases various kinds of blooming flowers all through the year. The most famous are the peonies that bloom in April and May when a peony festival is also held. A winter variety of peonies also attracts many visitors with their layers of gorgeous petals during the latter half of November. Visitors can also enjoy various kinds of cherry blossoms in March and April, rhododendrons in April and May and hydrangea in June and July. The leaves on the maple trees that turn a bright red from mid-October to late November are equally as spectacular.
Location
| Name | Hase-dera Temple |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.hasedera.or.jp/free/?id=345 |
| Address | 731ｰ1 Hase, Sakurai-shi, Nara |
| Access | Approximately 15 minutes' walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line |
| Business Hours | April to September: 8:30 to 17:00 October, November and March: 9:00 to 17:00 December to February: 9:00 to 16:30 (Open longer for special events such as Peony Festival) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0744-47-7001 |
| Admission | Adult and senior or junior high school student: 500 yen; Elementary school student: 250 yen |
