Shoryakuji Temple
Area
Category
Known as the birthplace of Japanese sake : essential technologies for sake brewing were established here.
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Shoryakuji Temple is situated in the mountains on the outskirts of Nara. It was founded in 992 at the request of Emperor Ichijo. Originally a large temple complex with numerous buildings, today only the main hall, bell tower, and guest hall (Fukujuin Kyakuden), which is designated as an Important Cultural Property, remain. Moss-covered stone walls line the mountain path along the Bodaisen River, evoking the temple's former grandeur.
Shoryakuji Temple is also known as the birthplace of Japanese sake. It is believed that the essential technologies for sake brewing used today were established here. Though large-scale sake brewing is no longer conducted as it once was, starter yeast is prepared in the temple precincts every January. The resulting sake is sold at Shoryakuji's Fukujuin, where it receives high acclaim.
In autumn, more than 3,000 maple trees on the temple grounds transform into shades of red in succession, attracting many tourists. Enjoy the stunning view of the garden from Fukujuin. Additionally, the principal image of the seated Yakushi Nyorai, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is unveiled to the public four times a year. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Buddha statue, which is generally kept out of sight.
General Information
- Address
- 157 Bodaisen-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8413
- contact details
- 0742-62-9569（Shoryakuji Temple Office）
- Fax Number
- 0742-62-9225（Shoryakuji Temple Office）
- Times
- 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
*Closes at 5:00 p.m. from November 3 to the first Sunday of December - Closed
- December 30 and 31
- Access
- 25 minutes by taxi from JR Kintetsu-Nara Station
20 minutes by taxi from JR Kintetsu-Tenri Station
15 minutes from Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway
*During the autumn foliage season (from mid-November to early December), a temporary bus service operates from JR Kintetsu-Nara Station to Shoryaku-ji Temple. - Car Park
- Approx. 70 cars
*Only from November 3 to early December. Charges apply (500 yen) - Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- [Regular admission] Adults 500 yen, elementary school students 200 yen
[Special admission] Adults 800 yen, elementary school students 300 yen - Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
- [Regular admission] Adults 400 yen, elementary school students 150 yen
[Special admission] Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 200 yen
*Group rates apply for groups of 20 or more - Events
- Shusho-e (Buddhist New Year ritual): January 3 to 5 every year
Bodaimoto Seishu Matsuri (Bodaimoto Sake Festival): January every year
Setsubun-e (Setsubun Festival): February 3 every year (not open to the public)
Ningyo Kuyo (traditional doll offering ceremony) : March 9 every year
Yakushi-e Shiki (Yakushi Ceremony): April 18 every year
Toji-sai (Winter Solstice Festival): December 22 every year - Seasonal Flower Information
- Red berries of the heavenly bamboo plant: Mid-November to end-January, about 1,000 shrubs
Red maple: Early November to early December, about 3,000 trees - Special Opening
- Special spring opening: April 18 to May 8 every year
Special autumn opening: Early November to early December every year
Winter solstice festival, HIbutsu Gokaicho (display of a hidden Buddhist statue): December 22 every year - Website
- Remarks
Special admission: Spring: April 18 to May 8 every year; Autumn: November 3 to the first Sunday of December, and December 22, every year.
Monthly event, Mikkyo Zen no Kai (formerly "Meiso no Kai"): 3rd Sunday of every month, 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed in January, April, and November)
