Kinpusen-ji Temple
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Nara
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 45-60 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 08:30-16:00 · Zao-do closes at 16:00; the Nio Gate is under dismantling repair until 2028; morning and evening services are open to visitors
- Ticket Price
- Adult: JPY 800 · Student: JPY 600 junior and senior high · Doubled to 1,600 / 1,200 / 800 during secret-Buddha openings: 24 Mar-6 May and 24 Oct-30 Nov in 2026
- Address
- 2498 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3115, Japan
- Coordinates
- 34.3400, 135.8400
Introduction
Kinpusen-ji is the head temple of the Kinpusen Shugen Hon sect, tracing back to the 7th-century ascetic En no Gyoja, who practised in the Yoshino and Omine mountains. Yoshinoyama is both the sacred mountain of Shugendo and the start of the Omine Okugake route to Kumano, inscribed with the Kii Mountain Range on the World Heritage list. Its main hall, Zao-do, stands 34 metres tall under a cypress-bark roof, second only to the Great Buddha Hall at Todai-ji among Japan's large timber buildings; the present structure dates to around 1592. Inside it is dark and thick with incense: three seven-metre blue statues of Zao Gongen are hidden Buddhas, normally worshipped only through closed shrines and revealed during special spring and autumn openings. Their glaring faces, flaming halos and raised feet make them among the most forceful images in Japanese Buddhist sculpture. The Nio Gate on the north side is being dismantled for repair until 2028.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 08:30-16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:30-16:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30-16:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30-16:00 |
| Friday | 08:30-16:00 |
| Saturday | 08:30-16:00 |
| Sunday | 08:30-16:00 |
Zao-do closes at 16:00; the Nio Gate is under dismantling repair until 2028; morning and evening services are open to visitors
Ticket Information
| Adult | JPY 800 |
|---|---|
| Student | JPY 600 junior and senior high |
| Child | JPY 400 elementary |
Doubled to 1,600 / 1,200 / 800 during secret-Buddha openings: 24 Mar-6 May and 24 Oct-30 Nov in 2026
Transportation
Kintetsu to Yoshino, then ropeway and a 20-min walk
Limited express from Osaka-Abenobashi, 75 min
Yoshinoyama parking; traffic controls in cherry season
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Kinpusen-ji Temple?
Monday: 08:30-16:00; Tuesday: 08:30-16:00; Wednesday: 08:30-16:00; Thursday: 08:30-16:00; Friday: 08:30-16:00; Saturday: 08:30-16:00; Sunday: 08:30-16:00; Zao-do closes at 16:00; the Nio Gate is under dismantling repair until 2028; morning and evening services are open to visitors
How much is the admission for Kinpusen-ji Temple?
Adult: JPY 800; Student: JPY 600 junior and senior high; Child: JPY 400 elementary; Doubled to 1,600 / 1,200 / 800 during secret-Buddha openings: 24 Mar-6 May and 24 Oct-30 Nov in 2026
How long should I spend at Kinpusen-ji Temple?
A typical visit takes 45-60 min.
How do I get to Kinpusen-ji Temple?
Subway: Kintetsu to Yoshino, then ropeway and a 20-min walk; Bus: Limited express from Osaka-Abenobashi, 75 min; Driving/Parking: Yoshinoyama parking; traffic controls in cherry season
