Kikouji Temple

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

The temple was founded by the eminent Buddhist monk Gyoki Bosatsu in the fifth year of the Yoro era (721). It served as a base for his missionary activities, preparing for the construction of the Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji Temple. Gyoki Bosatsu also passed away at this temple. The main hall is known as the "Experimental Great Buddha Hall," as it is said to have been built as a prototype for the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple. Renowned for its lotus flowers, the temple grounds are beautifully adorned with 250 lotus pots from mid-June to mid-August.

Related itineraries

Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_22.html
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples2: Tour four temples on foot
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples2: Tour four temples on foot
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_23.html
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples3: Touring Four Temples by Bicycle
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples3: Touring Four Temples by Bicycle
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_24.html
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples4: Tour four temples by car
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples4: Tour four temples by car
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_25.html

Urabon Buddhist Sermon/Kikouji Temple
The Urabon Buddhist Sermon is held on a weekend in mid-Jul…
Urabon Buddhist Sermon/Kikouji Temple
See More

General Information

Address
508 Sugahara-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details
0742-45-4630(Kikouji Temple)
Fax Number
0742-81-7114
Times
9:00 - 16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)
Access
10-minute walk from Kintetsu Amagatsuji Station
20-minute walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station
Car Park
Available (Free)
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
Adults: 500 yen
University students: 500 yen
High school students: 500 yen
Junior high school students: 300 yen
Elementary school students: 300 yen
Events
Kikouji Temple Monthly Fair: Every 2nd of the month
Gyoki-e Grand Festival: March 2nd
Lotus Road: Mid-June to Mid-August
Urabon
Urabon Sermon: Two days on Saturday and Sunday in July (dates change each year)
Seasonal Flower Information
Lotus Flowers: Mid-June to Mid-August, 200 Pots
Special Opening
January 1st to 15th, Mid-June to Mid-August: Revealing the Hidden statue of Bentendo Shinei Ugajin-zou
Website

Kikouji Templce official Website (in Japanese only)

Recommended

Recommended articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
All About the Great Buddha
All About the Great Buddha
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naramachi
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
Takigi O-Noh: A mysterious world lit by firelight
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/takigiono
A selection of 24 recommended gifts from Nara. Featuring famous, classic, and popular items from Nara!
A selection of 24 recommended gifts from Nara. Featuring famous, classic, and popular items from Nara!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/souvenir

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples4: Tour four temples by car
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples4: Tour four temples by car
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_25.html
Nakano Museum of Art
Nakano Museum of Art
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10037.html
Fuku-in Temple
Fuku-in Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10019.html
Shohaku Art Museum
Shohaku Art Museum
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10039.html
〈cancel〉Enjoy the avenue of cherry blossoms illuminated at night: Saho River Kawaji Sakura Festival
〈cancel〉Enjoy the avenue of cherry blossoms illuminated at night: Saho River Kawaji Sakura Festival
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10243.html
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
Itineraries to Lotus Road four temples1: Tour by train, bus or cab
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_22.html
Praising the virtues of Emperor Shomu in the anniversary of his death: Shomu-Tenno-Sai/Todai-ji Temple
Praising the virtues of Emperor Shomu in the anniversary of his death: Shomu-Tenno-Sai/Todai-ji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10185.html
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
Chugen Mantoro Festival/Kasugataisha Shrine
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10262.html
Houtoku-ji temple
Houtoku-ji temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10003.html
to top