Church & Religious Site

Murō-ji

📍 78 Muro, Uda, Nara, Japan

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Quick Facts

Location: Japan, Nara
Category: Church & Religious Site
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30-17:00 · 9:00-16:00 Dec-Mar
Ticket Price: Adult: 600 yen (junior high and up) · Child: 400 yen (elementary) · Treasure hall 400 yen; groups 500/300
Address: 78 Muro, Uda, Nara, Japan
Coordinates: 34.5380, 136.0406

Introduction

Muro-ji, head temple of the Muro branch of Shingon Buddhism, lies in the Muro valley of Uda. It was founded in the late Nara period when the Kofuku-ji monk Kenkei prayed for the health of the crown prince (the future Emperor Kanmu), with his disciple Shuen shaping the temple as seen today. Under the patronage of Keishoin, mother of Shogun Tsunayoshi, it was revived in the Genroku era and admitted women — unlike women-forbidden Koyasan — earning the name 'Koya for women'. Two National Treasure halls and Japan's smallest outdoor pagoda stand among old cedars.

✨ Highlights

Kondo (National Treasure)

An early-Heian hall roofed in persimmon-bark, housing the National Treasure Shaka statue and other early Heian sculptures.

Hondo (National Treasure)

The cypress-bark-roofed main hall, a National Treasure at the heart of Muro-yama worship.

Small pagoda (National Treasure)

At about 16 m and roughly 800 years old, Japan's smallest outdoor five-storey pagoda; repaired after heavy typhoon damage in 1998.

Miro-do and Shaka

A hillside hall keeping the powerfully carved National Treasure seated Shaka of the early Heian era.

Yoroizaka and Okunoin

Climb about 700 stone steps to the Okunoin Miedo (Important Cultural Property); the Miedo opens for the 21st-of-month Mieku rite.

Shakunage and maples

Tree peonies blanket the hills late April-May; illuminated maples from mid-November to early December.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：78 Muro, Uda, Nara, Japan

→Time needed：1.5-2 hours including Okunoin

→School：Head temple, Muro branch of Shingon

→Phone：0745-93-2003

→Website：www.murouji.or.jp

→Treasure hall：9:00-16:30 (winter 9:30-15:30, entry by 15:00); extra 400 yen

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday	8:30-17:00
Tuesday	8:30-17:00
Wednesday	8:30-17:00
Thursday	8:30-17:00
Friday	8:30-17:00
Saturday	8:30-17:00
Sunday	8:30-17:00

9:00-16:00 Dec-Mar

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	600 yen (junior high and up)
Child	400 yen (elementary)

Treasure hall 400 yen; groups 500/300

Transportation

Bus

Bus 14 min from Muroguchi-Ono Sta. to Muroji-mae

train

80 min from Osaka-Uehonmachi

Note

Hasedera seasonal buses

💡 Tips

• Take the Nara Kotsu bus 14 min from Muroguchi-Ono Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line) to Muroji-mae, then 5 min on foot.

• Buses run about once an hour — check your return time before setting out.

• Admission 600 yen adults, 400 yen elementary (groups 500/300); treasure hall extra 400 yen.

• In spring and autumn foliage seasons, temporary direct buses link with Hasedera.

• The Okunoin climb is about 700 steps, 30 minutes one way — wear good shoes.

• Autumn illumination is a rare treat among Nara temples.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Murō-ji?

Monday: 8:30-17:00; Tuesday: 8:30-17:00; Wednesday: 8:30-17:00; Thursday: 8:30-17:00; Friday: 8:30-17:00; Saturday: 8:30-17:00; Sunday: 8:30-17:00; 9:00-16:00 Dec-Mar

How much is the admission for Murō-ji?

Adult: 600 yen (junior high and up); Child: 400 yen (elementary); Treasure hall 400 yen; groups 500/300

Any practical tips for visiting Murō-ji?

Take the Nara Kotsu bus 14 min from Muroguchi-Ono Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line) to Muroji-mae, then 5 min on foot. Buses run about once an hour — check your return time before setting out.