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Church & Religious Site

Tachibana-dera Temple

📍 532 Tachibana, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, Japan
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3.8/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
30-40 minutes
Address
532 Tachibana, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.4631, 135.8053

Introduction

Tachibanadera, a Tendai temple at the heart of Asuka village, is held to be the birthplace of Prince Shotoku: the site was first a detached palace of his grandfather Emperor Kinmei, later converted by the prince into a temple counted among his Seven Great Establishments. The name also recalls the tale of Tajimamori bringing oranges home for Emperor Suinin. The Asuka cloister is gone, leaving the pagoda foundation burnt by lightning in 1148 and the enigmatic two-faced stone. The precinct is a national historic site and, since July 2026, part of the World Heritage 'Asuka-Fujiwara' listing.

✨ Highlights

1
Two-faced stone
A metre-high stone with one calm and one stern face — said to show good and evil in one heart; its original use unknown.
2
Pagoda foundation
A rare core stone with one central socket and three side sockets; its pagoda burnt by lightning in 1148.
3
Taishiden hall
Rebuilt over some 30 years from 1864, holding a 1515 wooden seated Prince Shotoku (Important Cultural Property).
4
Kannon hall
Keeps a Heian-period six-armed Nyoirin Kannon (Important Cultural Property).
5
Flower ceiling
The Gojoin rebuilt in 1997 has a coffered ceiling painted with some 260 flowers.
6
World Heritage
The precinct, listed Tachibanadera Site, joined the World Heritage 'Asuka-Fujiwara' in July 2026.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：532 Tachibana, Asuka-mura, Nara, Japan
→Time needed：30-40 minutes
→School：Tendai Buddhism
→Phone：0744-54-2029
→Nearby：Kawahara-dera site across the road; Ishibutai by bike

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday9:00-17:00
Tuesday9:00-17:00
Wednesday9:00-17:00
Thursday9:00-17:00
Friday9:00-17:00
Saturday9:00-17:00
Sunday9:00-17:00

Entry by 16:30

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult500 yen (from Apr 2026)

Previously 350 yen; treasure hall spring/autumn only

Transportation

Bus

Asuka loop bus to Kawara, 2-min walk

Driving/Parking

Paid parking in the village

Note

Walkable from Okahashimoto

💡 Tips

• Two minutes on foot from the Kawara stop of the Asuka loop bus.
• Admission is 500 yen from April 2026 (previously 350).
• Open 9:00-17:00, last entry 16:30, year round.
• The treasure hall opens only in spring and autumn — ask ahead.
• Rent a bike in the village and link Asukadera, Ishibutai and Kame-ishi.
• Midsummer offers little shade — bring sun protection and water.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Tachibana-dera Temple?

Monday: 9:00-17:00; Tuesday: 9:00-17:00; Wednesday: 9:00-17:00; Thursday: 9:00-17:00; Friday: 9:00-17:00; Saturday: 9:00-17:00; Sunday: 9:00-17:00; Entry by 16:30

How much is the admission for Tachibana-dera Temple?

Adult: 500 yen (from Apr 2026); Previously 350 yen; treasure hall spring/autumn only

Any practical tips for visiting Tachibana-dera Temple?

Two minutes on foot from the Kawara stop of the Asuka loop bus. Admission is 500 yen from April 2026 (previously 350).

How long should I spend at Tachibana-dera Temple?

A typical visit takes 30-40 minutes.

How do I get to Tachibana-dera Temple?

Bus: Asuka loop bus to Kawara, 2-min walk; Driving/Parking: Paid parking in the village