Church & Religious Site

Asuka-dera Temple

📍 682 Asuka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, Japan

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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: Japan, Nara
Category: Church & Religious Site
Duration: About 1 hour
Opening Hours: Apr-Sep 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:15); Oct-Mar 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:45)
Ticket Price: Adult: Adults 500 yen · Student: Teens 300 yen · University students pay the adult rate; grounds free
Address: 682 Asuka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, Japan
Coordinates: 34.4800, 135.8200

Introduction

Asuka-dera (飛鳥寺) in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture, is traditionally regarded as Japan's first full-fledged Buddhist temple, founded by Soga no Umako in 596 with craftsmen from Baekje directing construction. The bronze Shaka Nyorai seated statue known as the Asuka Daibutsu, dated to 609, is Japan's oldest Great Buddha; the webbing between its fingers is a distinctive feature. The present main hall is an Edo-period rebuild and an Important Cultural Property, and photography of the Buddha is permitted—rare for a temple of this age.

✨ Highlights

The Asuka Daibutsu

A bronze Shaka Nyorai statue dated to 609—Japan's oldest Great Buddha, with webbed fingers.

Japan's First Temple

Founded by Soga no Umako in 596 as Japan's earliest full temple complex, with one pagoda and three halls.

Baekje Craftsmen

Built under the direction of craftsmen from Baekje, the complex shows strong Korean influence.

Edo-Period Main Hall

After the 1196 fire only the Buddha survived; the current hall is an Edo-period rebuild and an Important Cultural Property.

Photography Allowed

Photographing the Great Buddha inside the hall is officially permitted—unusual for such an ancient statue.

Heart of Asuka

Neighbors Ishibutai Kofun, Tachibana-dera and Takamatsuzuka Tomb; rent a bicycle to tour Asuka Village.

🛈 Practical Info

→Address：682 Asuka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara

→Duration：About 1 hour

→Closed：Open year-round except special closures

→Access：Nara Kotsu bus from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Sta., about 19 min to Asuka Daibutsu stop

→Opening Hours：Apr-Sep 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:15); Oct-Mar 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:45)

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	Adults 500 yen
Student	Teens 300 yen
Child	Children 250 yen

University students pay the adult rate; grounds free

Transportation

Bus

Nara Kotsu bus from Kashiharajingu-mae Sta., 19 min to Asuka Daibutsu stop

Driving/Parking

12 km/30 min from Katsuragi IC via Rtes 165/169

Note

Bicycle rental in Asuka Village

💡 Tips

• From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Sta. East Exit, take a Nara Kotsu bus (Asuka Sta./Okadera-mae direction) about 19 min and get off at Asuka Daibutsu.

• Asuka Village is flat—rent a bicycle to link Ishibutai Kofun, Tachibana-dera and Takamatsuzuka Tomb in one loop.

• Photography of the Great Buddha is allowed, but please do not obstruct worshippers at the altar.

• The Buddha faces Tachibana-dera, birthplace of Prince Shotoku, symbolizing protection of the faith.

• Excavations suggest the temple's original precincts were roughly three times the size of Horyu-ji.

• Drivers can use the village parking lot (about 20 spaces, 500 yen per entry); arrive early on holidays.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Asuka-dera Temple?

Apr-Sep 9:00-17:30 (last entry 17:15); Oct-Mar 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:45)

How much is the admission for Asuka-dera Temple?

Adult: Adults 500 yen; Student: Teens 300 yen; Child: Children 250 yen; University students pay the adult rate; grounds free

Any practical tips for visiting Asuka-dera Temple?

From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Sta. East Exit, take a Nara Kotsu bus (Asuka Sta./Okadera-mae direction) about 19 min and get off at Asuka Daibutsu. Asuka Village is flat—rent a bicycle to link Ishibutai Kofun, Tachibana-dera and Takamatsuzuka Tomb in one loop.