Okadera, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Discover Okadera Temple in Asuka: A historic site with stunning gardens, the Dragon Lid legend, and one of Japan's largest Buddha statues.

Okadera Temple, also known as Ryugai-ji (Dragon Lid Temple), is a historic Buddhist temple in Asuka, Nara Prefecture. Founded in 663 AD, it's famed for its beautiful gardens, legends, and Japan's largest clay Buddha statue, the Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu.

A brief summary to Okadera

806 Oka, Asuka, Oka, Takaichi District, Nara, 634-0111, JP
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Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Okadera.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the temple grounds involve climbing stone steps and walking on uneven paths.
Visit during the spring (mid-April to early May) to witness the rhododendrons in full bloom, or during autumn for the colorful foliage.
Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transport, as services may be limited.
Consider visiting nearby Asukadera Temple to see Japan's oldest Buddha statue and experience a different temple atmosphere.

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Explore Okadera on the Map

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, take the Nara Kotsu Bus bound for Okadera-mae. Alight at the Okadera-mae bus stop, from which it is a 10-minute walk to the temple. The bus fare is approximately ¥200.
Taxi

From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, a taxi ride to Okadera Temple takes around 15 minutes and costs approximately ¥2000-¥2500.
Driving

From the Yamatotakada Bypass, take National Route No. 169 towards Asuka Village and Yoshino. The temple is about 15 minutes from the bypass exit. Free parking is available at Okadera Temple, but the road leading to the parking area is very narrow. Paid parking is available nearby.

Discover more about Okadera

Nestled in the hills of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, Okadera Temple offers visitors a serene escape into Japanese history and Buddhist culture. Officially named Ryugai-ji, meaning "Dragon Lid Temple," its origins trace back to 663 AD when the monk Gien is said to have founded it. Legend recounts Gien's triumph over a rampaging dragon, which he confined to a pond within the temple grounds, securing it with a stone lid. This tale not only gives the temple its unique name but also establishes it as Japan's first sacred site for warding off evil.The temple's main hall houses the Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, a clay statue nearly five meters tall, recognized as one of Japan's Three Great Buddha statues. The statue is made from clay sourced from Japan, China and India. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, discovering a three-story pagoda, a belfry, and the Dragon Lid Pond, where the legendary dragon is said to reside. The belfry's bell bears marks from WWII, where the Japanese Imperial Army tested the bell for weapons-grade metal.Okadera is also celebrated as the "flower temple", with seasonal blooms enhancing its beauty. Rhododendrons explode in pink hues in the spring, while dahlias and hydrangeas add color during other times of the year. In autumn, the leaves provide a breathtaking view. As the 7th temple on the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage, Okadera attracts worshippers and tourists alike, offering a blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty.