Obitoke-dera Temple
Area
Category
Established by imperial order in 858, this temple has attracted many believers as a place to pray for safe childbirth and fertility.
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According to temple legend, the Empress of Emperor Montoku prayed at this temple and gave birth to the prince who would later become Emperor Seiwa. For this reason, the temple was built at the request of Emperor Montoku in 858 and was named Obitoke-dera Temple by imperial decree. Since then, it has served as a place of prayer for safe childbirth and fertility, attracting devout faith from the imperial family and the general public alike.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Tokugawa Shogunate held it in high regard, and in the 20th century, it became a site of profound faith for the imperial family as well. Members of the imperial family, including Empress Michiko, Empress Masako, and Princess Kiko, the wife of Prince Akishino, have visited the temple to pray for safe childbirth and have received belly bands from the Temple.
General Information
- Address
- 734 Imaichi-cho, Nara City, Nara
- contact details
- 0742-61-3861（Obitoke-dera Temple）
- Fax Number
- 0742-63-0825
- 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
- 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)
