Obitoke-dera Temple

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

According to temple legend, the empress of Emperor Montoku prayed at the temple and gave birth to a prince who later became Emperor Seiwa. As a result, the temple was built at Emperor Montoku's request in 858 and was named Obitoke-dera by imperial decree. Since then, the temple has received deep devotion from both the imperial family and private individuals, serving as a place for prayers for safe childbirth and fertility.

The Tokugawa Shogunate regarded it highly during the Edo period, and in the 20th century, the imperial family also did. Empress Dowager Michiko, Empress Masako, Prince Akishino, and other members of the royal family have all prayed for safe childbirth here, and the Obitoke-dera temple has provided belly bands.


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)

Recommended

Recommended articles

Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
All About the Great Buddha
All About the Great Buddha
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/daibutsu
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
A selection of 21 recommended gourmet foods in Nara. Featuring a range from classics to local specialties and famous products, popular sweets!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/gourmet
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
All about the highlights of Naramachi, which has retained traces from Edo, Meiji, and post-war periods.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naramachi
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
Information on Nara's cherry blossom season in 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/cherryblossoms
The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
A selection of 24 recommended gifts from Nara. Featuring famous, classic, and popular items from Nara!
A selection of 24 recommended gifts from Nara. Featuring famous, classic, and popular items from Nara!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/souvenir

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

to top