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Oka-dera Temple

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Oka-dera Temple, Japan's first sacred place to drive away unluckiness

Oka-dera Temple is located in the historical Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, the site of an ancient city. The temple was founded about 1,300 years ago and formally called Ryugai-ji (Dragon Lid Temple). Its name was taken from the legend in which Gien Sojo, the founder of Oka-dera Temple, drove an evil dragon that was destroying the land of Asuka into a pond and covered it with a large stone. For ridding the land of disasters caused by the evil dragon, Oka-dera Temple is also known as Japan's first sacred place to drive away unluckiness.

Main Hall

Pass through Oka-dera Temple's Nio Gate and go up the long stone steps to enter the temple grounds where the Main Hall is located. The principal object of worship of the temple is the seated statue of Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, known as the Buddha of Wish-Granting. It is the largest clay Buddhist statue in Japan at an astonishing 4.85 meters tall. Along with the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and Kannon Statue of Hase-dera Temple, it has been recognized as one of the best three large Buddha statues in Japan. The statue of Oka-dera Temple has been worshipped as the Kannon to drive away unluckiness since ancient times.

Flowers in Oka-dera Temple

Oka-dera Temple is also known as the "flower temple." Every year from mid-April to early May, about 3,000 beautiful bright pink rhododendrons blossom, creating a stunning view as they are in full bloom at the approach of the inner shrine, around the Nio Gate and at the steps leading to and around the Main Hall. Also during the Golden Week holidays in early May, an event is held to welcome temple visitors with floating dahlias in various areas such as in the pond just after passing the Nio Gate, the purification trough and water bowls.

Location

Name Oka-dera Temple
Website https://www.nara-yamato.com/oka/en/
Address 806 Oka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara
Access From Kashiharajingu-mae Station East Exit on the Kintetsu Railway, take the Nara Kotsu Bus and get off at Okadera-mae bus stop, then walk for approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Business Hours 8:30 to 16:30 (December to February)
8:30 to 17:00 (March to November)
Inquiries TEL: 0744-54-2007
Admission Adults and university students: 400 yen; High school students: 300 yen; Junior high school students: 200 yen; Elementary school students and under: free

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