Obitoke-dera Temple

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Kegonshu is an ancient temple often commonly referred to as Obitoke-dera Temple. This name is said to originate in the early Heian Period (794-1185), during which the wife of Emperor Montoku, Empress Akiko Fujiwara became pregnant, and the royal couple's prayers for a safe childbirth were answered Nowadays the temple is frequently visited by women praying for a successful childbirth by wrapping a sash--an "obi" around their waists, which also supports the back after the 5th month of pregnancy. Most recently, Empress Michiko presented such an "iwata obi" to Princess Kiko during her pregnancy.

General Information

Address
734 Imaichi-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details
+81-742-61-3861
Fax Number
+81-742-63-0825
Times
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Closed
None
Access
From JR Obitoke Station: 5 minute walk to the north. Alternatively, take the bus heading to Tenri Station/Shimoyama from Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at "Shimoyama," and walk for 10 minutes.
Car Park
Space for 50 cars, 2 buses. Free parking.
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
Adults: 400 yen
University Students: 400 yen
High School Students: 300 yen
Middle School Students: 200 yen
Elementary School Students: 100 yen

Special Exhibitions & Openings
Adults: 500 yen
University Students: 500 yen
High School Students: 300 yen
Middle School Students: 200 yen
Elementary School Students: 100 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
Adults: 300 yen
University Students: 300 yen
High School Students: 250 yen
Middle School Students: 150 yen
Elementary School Students: 50 yen
Group Fees: Applicable for groups of 30 or more. University students will receive a discount of 100 yen; high school, junior high, and elementary school students will receive a discount of 50 yen.

Special Exhibitions & Openings
Adults: 400 yen
University Students: 400 yen
High School Students: 250 yen
Middle School Students: 150 yen
Elementary School Students: 50 yen
Discount for Persons with Disabilities
Not available.
Events
Anniversary of passing of Ono-no-Komachi: 24th April 14:00-
Star Festival: Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on 3rd March.
Obitoke-Koyasu-Jizoeshiki: 23rd July- 24th July 19:00-
Seasonal Flower Information
Cherry blossoms (Yoshino & double-layered): Early-Mid April, 10 trees
Crepe myrtle: Late July-Late September, 4-5 trees
Bush clover: Early September-Mid-October, 30 trees
Azaleas and satsuki azaleas: Early-Mid May, 100 trees
Special Opening
November 1st-8th: Grand Exhibition of Temple Treasures, including the painting "Kasuga Akadoshi" (a Nara City Cultural Artifact)
Website

Obitoke-dera Temple Offical Website

Remarks

A Buddhist sermon is available on the 23rd of each month (excepting July and August) from 2:00 p.m. It will be held with sutra-writing, as well as a matcha tea service.
Special Openings: Spring Special Exhibition of Buddhist Image: March 1st - 15th
Autumn Special Exhibition of Buddhist Image/Special Unveiling of Temple Treasures: November 1st - 8th
(Caution: Changes may be made to these time periods)

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