Skip to main content
Usitour
Sightseeing

Gokoin

📍 Gokoin, Nara, Japan
No photos yet
3.9/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan, Nara
Category
Sightseeing
Duration
15分钟
Address
Gokoin, Nara, Japan
Coordinates
34.6830, 135.8420

Introduction

Gokoin stands in Nara's Kitamachi area, north of Todai-ji, and is a Kegon-school temple and a branch temple of Todai-ji. Its main image, the Goko Shiyui Amida Buddha, is said to have been brought from Song-dynasty China by the monk Chogen, and is widely known for its long, tightly curled hair, earning it the nickname 'afro Amida'. The main hall and front gate are Edo-period buildings designated Nara City cultural properties, and the main image is opened to view in summer — an intriguing lesser-known old temple in northern Nara.

✨ Highlights

01
Afro-haired Amida
Its main image has long, tightly curled hair, earning it the nickname 'afro Amida Buddha'.
02
Branch of Todai-ji
A Kegon-school temple and a branch temple of Todai-ji, sharing its lineage.
03
Brought by Chogen
The main image is said to have been brought from Song-dynasty China by the monk Chogen.
04
Edo-period Hall and Gate
The main hall and front gate are Edo-period buildings, designated Nara City cultural properties.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 30 minutes
→Best season：Summer (main image opened)
→Opening Hours：Usually closed; main image opened in summer
→Ticket Information：Free (special openings may charge; confirm on site)
→Transportation：About 20 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station

💡 Tips

• The main image opens only in summer; watch for notices before you go.
• Combine with Todai-ji and the Kitamachi area of Nara.
• Usually closed; best visited as a pass-by stop.
• Old and quiet buildings; good for lovers of lesser-known temples.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Gokoin?

Usually closed; main image opened in summer

How much is the admission for Gokoin?

Free (special openings may charge; confirm on site)

Any practical tips for visiting Gokoin?

The main image opens only in summer; watch for notices before you go. Combine with Todai-ji and the Kitamachi area of Nara.

How long should I spend at Gokoin?

A typical visit takes 15分钟.