Hannyaji temple

The ancient temple guards the northeast, which is considered unlucky for Heijo-kyo Capital, and is renowned for its vibrant flowers.

※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited

According to the legend of Hannyaji Temple, it was founded in 629 by a Goguryeo monk named Ekan, who constructed a temple on this site. Later, during the era of Emperor Shomu in 735, it is said that additional temple buildings were built to protect Heijo-kyo's "demon gate" (an unlucky quarter).  

Today, the temple features the Roumon gate (a National Treasure), which showcases an elegant architectural style from the Kamakura period (1185-1333).  

The temple is also famous for its flowers, particularly the hydrangea in early summer and the cosmos, which bloom from early summer through autumn.

Related articles

Related itineraries

Drive from Osaka! Itinerary for 2 days and 1 night to visit the ume (plum) grove in Tsukigase, Nara
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

General Information

Address
221 Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara
contact details
0742-22-6287(Hannyaji Temple)
Fax Number
0742-22-7257
Times
Visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)
Reduced visiting hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)
Reduced visiting period: January, February, March, April, July, August, December
Access
Take a bus bound for Kunimidai 8-chome (Narazaka) and Aoyama-jutaku (approx. 12 minutes bus-ride), and get off at Hannyaji bus stop, then take a walk for 5 minutes
Car Park
500 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
[Regular Admission Fee]
January 1st - Mid-May
Mid-July - Mid-September
Late November - December 31st
Adults 500 yen
Junior and high school students 200 yen
Elementary school children 100 yen

♦︎Hydrangea period: Mid-May to mid-July (2025 undecided)
♦︎Cosmos period: Mid-September to late November (2025 undecided)
This will change depending on the flower situation, so details will be posted closer to the date.
Adults 700 yen
Junior and high school students 300 yen
Elementary school children 200 yen
Admission/Worship Fees (Group)
None
Discount for Persons with Disabilities
None
Senior Discount
Nara City Nanamaru Card (Roshun Techo) holders can receive a discount (only for cardholders)
Events
Monju-e (April 25)
Seasonal Flower Information
Kerria japonica: mid April
Hydrangea: mid June
Early cosmos: June
Autumn cosmos:September
Narcissus: mid December
National Treasure
Roumon Gate
Website

Hannyaji Temple official website

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
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
2025 Nara Autumn Foliage Update
2025 Nara Autumn Foliage Update
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/naraautumnleaves
〈This year's campaign has ended〉Special Night time Visits at Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites + Twilight & Night View Tours! Nara Autumn Night Expedition 2025
〈This year's campaign has ended〉Special Night time Visits at Five UNESCO World Heritage  Sites  + Twilight & Night View Tours! Nara Autumn Night Expedition 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/syuyanonaratabi
Nara's World Heritage Sites
Nara's World Heritage Sites
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/world-heritage
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
Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
Special feature on the proper etiquette to observe when visiting Shinto shrines and temples: What are the differences between temples and shrines? What must you avoid doing? This feature explains all these and more!
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/manner
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
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

Nearby Sightseeing Spots

You Might Also Like

The Four Seasons in Nara
The Four Seasons in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/seasons
Gangoji Temple
Gangoji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10027.html
〈This year's campaign has ended〉Special Night time Visits at Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites + Twilight & Night View Tours! Nara Autumn Night Expedition 2025
〈This year's campaign has ended〉Special Night time Visits at Five UNESCO World Heritage  Sites  + Twilight & Night View Tours! Nara Autumn Night Expedition 2025
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/syuyanonaratabi
Saidaiji Temple
Saidaiji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10010.html
Photogenic autumn colour and deer in Nara
Photogenic autumn colour and deer in Nara
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/nara-autumnfoliage
Former Daijyo-in Temple Garden(Daijyo-in Temple Garden Heritage Center)
Former Daijyo-in Temple Garden(Daijyo-in Temple Garden Heritage Center)
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10090.html
Ukimido Gazebo
Ukimido Gazebo
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10105.html
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
Hakudo Inoue Memorial Museum
Hakudo Inoue Memorial Museum
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10142.html
Kairyuoji Temple
Kairyuoji Temple
https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/spot/detail_10015.html
to top