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Historic Ruins & Heritage

Zuto

📍 921 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
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Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Historic Ruins & Heritage
Duration
About 20 minutes
Address
921 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6772, 135.8389

Introduction

Zuto in Takabatake-cho, Nara, is an earthen pagoda built in 767 on the order of prelate Roben, executed by the Todai-ji monk Jitchu — a stepped, four-sided truncated pyramid about 32 m across in seven courses, serving like a five-storey pagoda to hold relics. Its name comes from a temple legend that the head of the Nara-era monk Genbo was buried here. Twenty-seven stone Buddhas survive on the four faces of each course; thirteen identified in 1977 were made Important Cultural Properties the same year. The north side has been reconstructed while the south keeps its excavated state. Nationally designated a Historic Site in 1922.

✨ Highlights

1
Seven-course earth pagoda
A truncated pyramid about 32 m across and 10 m high, each course set back evenly — a rare earthen stupa.
2
27 stone Buddhas
Relief and line-carved Buddha triads and attendants, 61-111 cm, of high Nara-period sculptural value.
3
13 Cultural Properties
Thirteen statues identified in 1977 were designated Important Cultural Properties that June.
4
Genbo legend
The head of Genbo, a Nara-era monk who studied in Tang China, is said to be buried here — hence 'Head Pagoda'.
5
Restored vs. excavated
The north side is rebuilt to original form while the south stays as excavated — past and present side by side.
6
Historic Site, 1922
Nationally designated on March 8, 1922, a key Nara-period site in the city.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：921 Takabatake-cho, Nara, Japan
→Time needed：About 20 minutes
→Designations：Historic Site (1922); 13 statues Important Cultural Properties
→Phone：0742-26-3171 (Nara City cultural properties)

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

Open-air site, free entry

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree

Open-air site with interpretation panels at the entrance

Transportation

Bus

Loop bus to Hashi-cho, 2-min walk

Driving/Parking

20-min walk from Todai-ji

Note

Residential area east of Naramachi

💡 Tips

• Take the Kintetsu-Nara city loop bus to Hashi-cho and walk west about 2 minutes.
• It lies east of Naramachi and southeast of Kofuku-ji — pair with Gango-ji and the old lanes.
• Free to visit, 9:00-17:00; seasonal special openings may apply per the city website.
• The stone Buddhas are small — visit in good daylight to see the carving.
• A narrow road runs beside the site — mind traffic.
• Combine with Gango-ji and the Naramachi museums for a half-day heritage walk.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Zuto?

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; Open-air site, free entry

How much is the admission for Zuto?

Free Admission: Free; Open-air site with interpretation panels at the entrance

Any practical tips for visiting Zuto?

Take the Kintetsu-Nara city loop bus to Hashi-cho and walk west about 2 minutes. It lies east of Naramachi and southeast of Kofuku-ji — pair with Gango-ji and the old lanes.

How long should I spend at Zuto?

A typical visit takes About 20 minutes.

How do I get to Zuto?

Bus: Loop bus to Hashi-cho, 2-min walk; Driving/Parking: 20-min walk from Todai-ji