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Sightseeing

Koninji Temple

📍 46 Kokuzocho, Nara, Nara, Japan
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4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Sightseeing
Duration
About 30-60 minutes
Address
46 Kokuzocho, Nara, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6287, 135.8536

Introduction

Konin-ji is a Shingon temple in Kokuzocho, Nara, with the mountain name Kokuzo-zan and the principal image Kokuzo Bosatsu. Legend holds that it was founded in 814 (Konin 5) at the order of Emperor Saga, with Kukai himself carving the Kokuzo image as the honzon. Burned in 1572 during Matsunaga Hisahide's campaign, it was rebuilt in 1629. The wooden Myozo Bosatsu statue in the halls is an Important Cultural Property, and the temple is known for the 'thirteen pilgrimages' said to grant wisdom and fortune to thirteen-year-olds. Set on a hillside about 180 m up, it is a quiet old temple in southern Nara with few visitors.

✨ Highlights

1
Kukai's Image
The principal Kokuzo Bosatsu is said to have been carved by Kukai himself.
2
An Imperial Vow
Legend dates the founding to 814 at the order of Emperor Saga; the mountain name is Kokuzo-zan.
3
Myozo Bosatsu
The wooden standing Myozo Bosatsu is an Important Cultural Property.
4
Fire and Rebirth
Burned in 1572 during Matsunaga Hisahide's campaign and rebuilt in 1629.
5
Thirteen Pilgrimages
Known for the rites said to grant wisdom and fortune to thirteen-year-olds.
6
A Hillside Temple
On a slope about 180 m up, quiet and little visited.

🛈 Practical Info

→Suggested Duration：About 30-60 minutes
→Good For：Temple and cultural-property lovers, quiet visits
→Note：The hidden principal image is opened on special occasions, e.g. November 2026

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

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultGrounds admission JPY 200

Main hall viewing JPY 400

Transportation

Bus

Bus 19 min from Nara Stn. toward Tenri to Shimoyama-cho, then community bus 9 min to Takahi-cho, 5 min walk

Driving/Parking

5 min from Meihan Tenri IC; free parking for 30 cars

💡 Tips

• Main hall viewing costs JPY 400 on top of the JPY 200 grounds admission
• Buses connect to central Nara—allow time for transfers
• Wear walking shoes for the hillside approach
• A quiet temple—please keep voices down
• Check return bus times if visiting late in the day
• The hidden principal image is opened on special occasions

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Koninji 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

How much is the admission for Koninji Temple?

Adult: Grounds admission JPY 200; Main hall viewing JPY 400

Any practical tips for visiting Koninji Temple?

Main hall viewing costs JPY 400 on top of the JPY 200 grounds admission Buses connect to central Nara—allow time for transfers

How long should I spend at Koninji Temple?

A typical visit takes About 30-60 minutes.

How do I get to Koninji Temple?

Bus: Bus 19 min from Nara Stn. toward Tenri to Shimoyama-cho, then community bus 9 min to Takahi-cho, 5 min walk; Driving/Parking: 5 min from Meihan Tenri IC; free parking for 30 cars