Koninji Temple
Area
Category
Located on the mountainside of Mount Kokuzo in the middle of Yamanobe Kitamichi, commonly known as "Takahi no Kokuzo-san."
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The temple, situated around the main hall on a hillside 180 meters above sea level, is believed to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the request of Emperor Saga in 814. The principal image is a wooden statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha Bodhisattva). During the Muromachi period (16th century), a war burned down most of the temple.
The current main building was reconstructed in 1629. The wooden standing Myojo Bosatsu statue (an Important Cultural Property) is currently on loan to the Nara National Museum.
The temple is renowned for the Jusanmairi event, held on April 13th, during which 13-year-old boys and girls pray to Kokuzo Bosatsu to protect them from evil spirits and bestow wisdom and good fortune.
Related articles
- Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner
General Information
- Address
- 46 Kokuzo-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8412
- contact details
- 0742-62-9303（Koninji Temple）
- Times
- 9:00～17:00
- Access
- From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take a 15-minute bus ride to Tenri Station or Shimoyama. Get off at the Shimoyama bus stop, then transfer to a community bus heading to Yoneyamachi. After 9 minutes, get off at the Takahimachi bus stop and walk for 5 minutes.
- Car Park
- 30 cars (Free)
- Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- Entrance fee: 200 yen, viewing fee: 400 yen
- Events
- Hoshikukigane (Star Offering Prayer Ceremony): February 13th, 10:00-18:00
Jusan Mairi (13th Jusan Mairi): April 13th, 9:00-
Golden Chimaki Ceremony: June 13th, 9:00- - Seasonal Flower Information
- Cherry blossoms: late March to early April
Bellatrix orchid: late April to early May
Wisteria: late April to early May
Hydrangea: June
Trumpet creeper: late June to mid-August
Plum blossom: late September to late December
Siberian leopard tree: September to early October
Budapest: mid-September to late November
Zinnia: early November to early March
Camellia sasanqua: December to late March
Japanese quince: March to mid-April
Azalea: March to mid-April
