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Hasedera Temple: A Sacred Mountain Retreat

Discover tranquility at Hasedera Temple in Sakurai, Nara: a historic Buddhist sanctuary with stunning views and seasonal floral beauty.

4.5

Nestled in the mountains east of Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Hasedera Temple is a serene escape offering stunning views and a rich history. Founded in 686, this head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism features over 30 buildings along a hillside, a towering Kannon statue, and vibrant seasonal flowers.

A brief summary to Hasedera Temple

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the nearly 400 steps to the main hall.
  • Visit during cherry blossom (sakura) or autumn color (koyo) seasons for breathtaking views.
  • Try kusamochi (sweet rice balls with mugwort) from the local shops on the approach to the temple.
  • Check the temple's website for seasonal events and festivals.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Sakurai Station, take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Hasedera Station. The train ride is approximately 7 minutes and costs ¥240. From Hasedera Station, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the temple.

  • Taxi

    From Sakurai Station, a taxi to Hasedera Temple takes about 6 minutes and costs between ¥3,100 and ¥3,800.

  • Walking

    From Hasedera Station, walk 15-20 minutes to Hasedera Temple. Follow the road leading east from the station, crossing the Hase River and passing through the temple town. The route is uphill and includes some stairs.

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Discover more about Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple, also known as Hatsu-se, is a sprawling temple complex located in the mountains east of central Sakurai in Nara Prefecture. Founded in 686, it serves as the head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism. The temple is built into a valley, with over 30 buildings ascending the hillside, inviting visitors to explore its depths. The approach to Hasedera is a charming temple town that has catered to visitors for centuries. The Niomon Gate at the base houses guardian deity statues. A long, covered corridor of almost 400 steps leads to the main hall, passing various buildings. The main hall houses a partially visible, twelve-meter-tall wooden statue of the Kannon deity. Legend says that in the 8th century, a monk carved two Kannon statues from a large tree; one is enshrined here, while the other was cast into the ocean, eventually leading to the establishment of another Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. From the main hall's balcony, visitors can enjoy panoramic views, especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. A five-story pagoda to the west is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Monks actively study at Hasedera, and their living quarters and libraries are part of the temple grounds. Gardens can be observed more closely on the way down. Hasedera is renowned as the "Temple of Flowers," offering stunning beauty in every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and peonies, summer showcases hydrangeas, autumn boasts colorful leaves, and winter offers snowy landscapes.

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