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Church & Religious Site

Daian-ji Temple

📍 2-18-1 Daianji, Nara, Japan
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
About 1 hour
Address
2-18-1 Daianji, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6680, 135.8127

Introduction

Daian-ji in southern Nara, a Shingon-Risshu temple of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, traces back to the Kumagori cloister built by Prince Shotoku; in 639 Emperor Jomei fulfilled his wish by founding the imperial family's first temple, named Daian-ji in 716 after the move to Heijo-kyo. In the Nara period it covered about 240 hectares — 25 times today's size — with twin seven-storey pagodas and nearly 900 scholar-monks including students from China and India. Abandoned in the 16th century and revived from the late 19th, it is now known for prayers against cancer, its old trees and pagoda-site markers telling of the past.

✨ Highlights

1
Juroku Kannon
The main early-Heian Eleven-Faced Kannon (Important Cultural Property) is normally hidden, shown Oct 1-Nov 30.
2
Tenpyo statues
Nine late-Tenpyo sculptures — the Four Heavenly Kings, Sho Kannon, Yoryu Kannon — all Important Cultural Properties.
3
Cancer-healing prayers
Famed for prayers against cancer with biannual rites; the bamboo-sake rite is held to guard health.
4
Chikuto festival
Each October, countless bamboo lanterns glow across the grounds — autumn's signature scene.
5
Pagoda sites
Markers of twin seven-storey pagodas stand 200 m south of the hall, with a model of the Nara-era complex.
6
Sunagi stepping
Behind the hall, stepping over sacred sand is said to bring protection and fortune.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：2-18-1 Daianji, Nara, Japan
→Time needed：About 1 hour
→School：Shingon-Risshu Buddhism
→Phone：0742-61-6312
→Website：daianji.or.jp
→Parking：Free lot, about 20 cars

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 16:00

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult400 yen (hall + collection)
Student300 yen (high school)
Child200 yen (junior high)

Elementary 100 yen; special periods may differ

Transportation

Bus

Bus to Daianji stop, 8-10 min walk

Driving/Parking

15 min from Kizu IC; free lot 20 cars

Note

30-min walk from Kintetsu Nara

💡 Tips

• Take the Nara Kotsu bus to Daianji stop and walk 8-10 minutes.
• Hall and collection-room ticket: 400 yen adults, 300 high school, 200 junior high, 100 elementary.
• Open 9:00-17:00 (entry by 16:00); closed December 31.
• The hidden Eleven-Faced Kannon is shown October 1 to November 30.
• The October bamboo-lantern festival falls in that special-opening window — the best time to visit.
• Chain with Kikko-ji and the Heijo Palace ruins on a west-Nara route.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Daian-ji 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 16:00

How much is the admission for Daian-ji Temple?

Adult: 400 yen (hall + collection); Student: 300 yen (high school); Child: 200 yen (junior high); Elementary 100 yen; special periods may differ

Any practical tips for visiting Daian-ji Temple?

Take the Nara Kotsu bus to Daianji stop and walk 8-10 minutes. Hall and collection-room ticket: 400 yen adults, 300 high school, 200 junior high, 100 elementary.

How long should I spend at Daian-ji Temple?

A typical visit takes About 1 hour.

How do I get to Daian-ji Temple?

Bus: Bus to Daianji stop, 8-10 min walk; Driving/Parking: 15 min from Kizu IC; free lot 20 cars