Join Us on the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road” to Enjoy the Breathtaking Lotus Flowers!
“The lotus flower, blooming in the early morning and closing by afternoon, enchants with its mystical charm. The lotus is deeply connected to Buddhism, and many people have likely seen it at temples.
From early summer to summer, when the flowers are at their peak, the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road” guides visitors to four temples in Nara City renowned for their lotus blooms. During the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road” event period, you can purchase a “Common Admission Ticket for the four temples” to visit the four temples.
In summer, why not wake up a little earlier to enjoy the beautiful morning scenery?”
※All photos are for reference only.
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Temples famous for lotus flowers in Nara City and the best time to see them
In Nara City, there are four temples famous for their lotus flowers. These temples are located in the Nishinokyo area, which extends from the area around Saidaiji Temple to the western part of Nara City, known as “Nishi no Kyo” (formerly located on the west side of the main street of Heijo-kyo, Suzaku-oji). The temples included are Saidaiji Temple, Kikoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple.
Numerous lotus pots are placed in the temple, and a variety of lotus flowers bloom in early summer to summer. The road connecting these four temples is called “Lotus Road,” and many visitors come to the temple every year to enjoy the flowers.
*The above admission fees are for individuals and adults. Information is subject to change without notice. Please contact each temple for details.
*The reception desk at each temple is open 30 minutes before the closing time of the temple visit.
Special red seals and “Common Admission Ticket for four temples”
Every year during the lotus flower season (around June to August), the Nara City Tourism Association organizes the “Nara-Nishinokyo Lotus Road,” a tour of the four temples on the Lotus Road.
In 2024, the program will run from, June 14 to August 12. During the period, “Common Admission Ticket for four temples” for Saidaiji, Kikouji, Toshodaiji, and Yakushiji will be available for purchase.
For those exploring temple seals, don’t miss out on the special Lotus Road seal.
It is available at each temple only for those who have purchased a common admission ticket for the four temples (a separate sutra fee is required), and is written on a “white” base among the “five colors” that represent wisdom in Buddhism.
*Regarding temple seals, only written dedications will be provided.
Nara, Nishinokyo Lotus Road – A journey to enjoy lotus and history
Date June 14, 2024 – August 12, 2024
Saidaiji Temple 1-1-5 Saidaiji Shibamachi, Nara
Kikoji Temple 508 Sugahara-cho, Nara
Toshodaiji Temple 13-46 Gojo-cho, Nara
Yakushiji Temple 457 Nishinokyo-cho, Nara
Common Admission Ticket for Four Temples
Common Admission Ticket for Four Temples, original goods (image)
Location：Saidaiji Temple, Kikoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, Yakushiji Temple
Sales period：June 14, 2024 – August 12, 2024
Sale Location:
【Paper tickets】Nara City Tourism Information Center, Kintetsu Nara Station Tourist Information Center, and temple reception
Number of copies sold: limited to 1,500
Price: 4,000 yen per ticket (includes admission to the four temples and original goods)
【Purchase privilege】
①Special red seals are available.
Present your four temples ticket at each temple’s red seal office to receive a Lotus Road special red seal (separate sutra payment fee required). The red seal will be in the form of a written inscription, limited to one per person per temple, for each common admission ticket to the four temples.
②Coupon will be given to you.
Coupons will be given for dining and shopping in the surrounding area.
③You can participate in “sutra reading and storytelling”.
Monks from each temple will participate in a special “sutra reading and storytelling” program.
【Details】
Participation fee: Free
How to register: At the reception desk (in front of the main hall at Saidaiji Temple and at the north reception desk at Yakushiji Temple), please inform the staff that you wish to participate in the Lotus Road “Sutra reading and storytelling” and present your common admission ticket for the four temples.
Capacity: Approximately 30 people per session. If the maximum capacity is reached, we may have to decline entry.
Duration：30 to 60 minutes for each session (depending on the temple).
Note: If the Four Temples Common Admission Ticket is unused, you can use it, but if it has already been used, separate admission fees will be required. The monks will read sutras and give talks only in Japanese.
Schedule
Inquiries: 0742-30-0230 (Nara City Tourism Association, weekdays 9:00-17:00)
Access to Lotus Road four temples
The four Lotus Road temples can be visited by public transportation, walking, and cycling.
When accessing the site, use mainly the Kintetsu “Yamato Saidaiji”station and “Nishinokyo” stations if you are taking the train. Please take special care when walking and cycling, especially after consulting with your health condition.
