Hokkeji Imperial Convent
Area
Category
Empress Komyo designated Hokkeji as the head of a national system of convents.
※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited
Empress Komyo, a key figure in the spread of Buddhism in Japan, established the Hokkeji Imperial Convent in 745 and designated Hokkeji as the head of a national system of convents. Hokkeji can be roughly translated as the Temple of the Flower of the Law. Empress Komyo encouraged women in the convent to practice flower arrangement, and the Hokkeji Goryu school of ikebana continues today.
The Empress was a deeply devout woman who devoted herself to caring for the less fortunate. She established an infirmary and a residence for orphans and the disabled. In the Karafuro bathhouse, which was rebuilt in 1766 and still stands on the temple grounds today, she washed the dirt off a thousand people afflicted with illness.
Related itineraries
- Drive from Osaka! Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night to visit the ume (plum) grove in Tsukigase, Nara
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_14.html
- Nara Camera Trip! Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night to visit photo-worthy spots in the ancient capital
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_15.html
General Information
- Address
- 882 Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara, 630-8001
- contact details
- 0742-33-2261（Hokkeji）
- Times
- 9:00～16:30（Last entry 16:00）
- Access
- From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the bus to Saidaiji Station or the Air Self-Defense Force's main entrance. Get off at Hokkeji, then walk for 3 minutes.
From Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station, take the bus toward the west exit of JR Nara Station, disembark at Hokkeji, and walk for 3 minutes.
From Kintetsu Shin-Omiya Station, head northwest for about 20 minutes. - Car Park
- 5 large buses, 30 regular cars
*Closed from 17:00 to the next morning
*Parking is free, including for large buses. However, it is available only when visiting the temple. For security reasons, only visitors are allowed to use the parking lot.
*During events, bus parking may not be available.
Please contact us for details at 0742-33-2261. - Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- [General Admission Days]
Adults: 700 yen
Individuals with disabilities (same price for one accompanying person): 350 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 350 yen
[Special Admission from March to June]
Applicable days: March 1 to 14, March 20 to 31, April 8 to June 4
Adults: 800 yen
Individuals with disabilities (same price for one accompanying person): 400 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen
[Special Admission in April, June, and Autumn]
Applicable days: April 1 to 7, June 5 to 10, October 25 to November 10
*Schedule may change based on the Shosoin Treasure Exhibition schedule
Adults: 1,000 yen
Individuals with disabilities (same price for one accompanying person): 500 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 500 yen
[Garden Only]
Karakuen Garden: 300 yen
*During special admission, entry to Karakuen alone is not permitted.
National Historic Site Gardens open from April 1 to June 10: 500 yen
*Elementary and junior high school students with disabilities are charged 100 yen year-round, including for the gardens (same price for one accompanying person).
*Free for preschool children. - Senior Discount
- Nara City Half price if you bring your Nanamaru Card (Roshun Techo) *Excluding special exhibitions
- Events
- Hina-eshiki (Girl's Day Ceremony): April 1st to 7th
Renge-eshiki (Lotus Flower Ceremony): July 17th, from 7pm - Seasonal Flower Information
- Red plum blossoms: March, 3 trees (2 in front of the main hall)
Iris jasmine: May, in front of the main hall and at the back of the garden - National Treasure
- Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue
Seated statue of Ima Koji
Amida Triad and Doji images (colors on silk) - Special Opening
- March 20th to April 7th: National Treasure Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva Standing Statue
April 1st to June 10th: National Historic Sites and Scenic Gardens
June 5th to June 10th: National Treasure Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva Standing Statue
October 25th to November 10th:
National Treasure Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva Standing Statue, National Treasure Amida Triad and Child Portrait (colored silk), Jikoden
*The dates are subject to change according to the schedule of the Shosoin Treasure Exhibition. - Website
