Obitoke-dera Temple
Area
Category
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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
- 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)
