Shoryaku-ji Temple
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Also known as Nishiki no Sato (translated to "hometown of brocade"), this is the daihonzan (main temple) of the Bodaisan Shingon sect
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Shoryaku-ji Temple is located in the mountains on the outskirts of Nara. It was founded in 992 by Kenshun, the son of Fujiwara no Kane-ie, at the request of Emperor Ichijo, who reigned during the mid-Heian period (794–1185). It was originally a large temple complex with many buildings, but the only ones that remain today are the hondo (main hall), shoro (bell tower), and Fukujuin Kyakuden (guest hall), which has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Moss-covered stone walls line the mountain path along the Bodaisen River, evoking the former grandeur of the temple.
Shoryaku-ji Temple is also known as the birthplace of Japanese sake, and it is said that the fundamental sake brewery technologies used in modern times were established there. Although large-scale sake brewing is no longer carried out today as it was then, the starter yeast is prepared on the temple precincts every January, and the resulting sake is sold at Syoryakuji's Fukujuin and is highly acclaimed.
In autumn, more than 3,000 maple trees on the temple grounds take on red hues in sequence, attracting many tourists. Enjoy the spectacular view of the garden from Fukujuin. In addition, the Honzon Yakushi Nyorai Izo (principal image of the seated Yakushi Nyorai), designated an important cultural property of Japan, is unveiled to the public four times a year. Do not miss this chance to catch a glimpse of the hibutsu (a Buddha statue usually kept away from view).
General Information
- Address
- 157 Bodaisen-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8413
- contact details
- 0742-62-9569（Shoryaku-ji Temple Office）
- Fax Number
- 0742-62-9225（Shoryaku-ji 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)
