Kawaradera Temple Ruins
Explore the vast ruins of one of Asuka's great temples, imagining its former glory from ancient foundation stones.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Kawaradera Temple Ruins
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast ruins of one of Asuka's great temples, imagining its former glory from ancient foundation stones.
"I was deeply moved when I imagined the scale of this ancient temple!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ruins are spread out, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast grounds.
🍽️ Reserve Dining
Lunch is available, but reservations are typically required. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Foundation Stones
Main temple grounds
Gaze upon the massive foundation stones that reveal the immense scale of this ancient temple.
Statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten
Main Hall
Admire these important cultural properties, dating back to the Kōnin period.
Bamboo Lighting
Temple grounds (seasonal/event-based)
Experience a mysterious atmosphere with beautiful, ethereal bamboo lighting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale of History
Plan for Dining and Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ruins are spread out, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast grounds.
🍽️ Reserve Dining
Lunch is available, but reservations are typically required. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
📜 Sutra Copying Experience
Consider booking a sutra copying experience for a unique cultural immersion.
📸 Capture the History
While projection mapping might not be the main draw, the historical significance is immense.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The ruins are spread out, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the vast grounds.
🍽️ Reserve Dining
Lunch is available, but reservations are typically required. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
📜 Sutra Copying Experience
Consider booking a sutra copying experience for a unique cultural immersion.
📸 Capture the History
While projection mapping might not be the main draw, the historical significance is immense.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the serene atmosphere of Kawaradera Temple Ruins, with many moved by the scale of the foundation stones. The friendly staff and the option for lunch add to the positive experience, though the lack of extensive rebuilt structures might surprise some.
"We had a very good lunch overhere. The location is very nice, overlooking the ricefeelds.
Very friendly staff."
Herman Lubbersen
"2019/2/18 Visit
Nanbu Wa Saigoku 33 Kannon Sacred Sites Temples
(Yamato Saigoku 33 Kannon Sacred Sites)
Since I was a child, I have often visited Yamatoji on excursions, and I have been to Asuka many times, but this was my first time to visit Kawara Temple.
When I asked the chief priest who dealt with this issue, he said with a wry smile that there were many people who said that. Although the ruins are spread out over a vast area, there is no sign that they will be rebuilt for a long time, and I would like them to start building with a wall, just like the ruins of Heijokyo.
I think it's a very historically important site.
I would like more people to visit this shrine.
According to Furekomi, you can eat at the temple, but reservations are required for now."
山根法見
"I visited the temple in March 2018. This is probably my third time. Kawaradera is an old name, and its current official name is Buddha-san Kofuku-ji. Kawaradera was one of the four great temples of Asuka, built in the mid-7th century, but there are many unknowns about its founding. It is said that in 673, this temple was the first place in Japan where sutras were copied. Later, in the 9th century, Kobo Daishi, who was granted this temple by the Imperial Court, used it as a lodging when traveling between Kyoto and Koyasan. It was later destroyed by fire in 1191. The statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten currently enshrined in the main hall were made in the Kōnin period and are designated as Important Cultural Properties. It seems that you need to make a reservation, but you can experience copying sutras."
円座厚司
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kawaradera Temple Ruins are located in Asuka, Nara Prefecture. Access typically involves taking a train to a nearby station like Asuka Station on the Kintetsu Line, followed by a bus or taxi. Renting a bicycle is also a popular way to explore the Asuka region and reach the ruins.
Yes, public transport is available to reach the Asuka region. From Asuka Station, local buses or taxis can take you to the temple ruins. Cycling is also a highly recommended and convenient option for navigating the area.
Many visitors find that renting a bicycle is the most enjoyable and flexible way to explore Asuka and reach sites like Kawaradera Temple Ruins. This allows you to set your own pace and stop at various points of interest.
Parking is generally available for visitors driving to Kawaradera Temple Ruins, though specific details might vary. It's advisable to check local signage or inquire upon arrival.
While possible, walking from Asuka Station to Kawaradera Temple Ruins can be a considerable distance. It's more common for visitors to use a bus, taxi, or bicycle for a more efficient journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The opening hours for Kawaradera Temple Ruins can vary, and it's best to check the official website or local information for the most up-to-date times. Generally, historical sites are open during daylight hours.
Information regarding admission fees for Kawaradera Temple Ruins is not consistently available in general reviews. It's recommended to verify this upon arrival or check official sources.
For general entry to the ruins, advance booking is typically not required. However, if you plan to participate in specific activities like sutra copying or dining, reservations are often necessary.
While not always highlighted, historical sites like Kawaradera Temple Ruins may host special events or exhibitions. Checking local event listings or the temple's official announcements is advisable.
If tickets are required, they are usually purchased on-site at the entrance. For special activities or dining, direct booking with the temple administration is the standard procedure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Kawaradera Temple Ruins, you can explore the vast foundation stones that hint at the temple's former scale, admire the statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten, and experience the serene atmosphere. The site offers a glimpse into Japan's ancient history.
To fully appreciate the scale and historical significance, allocate at least 1-2 hours for exploring Kawaradera Temple Ruins. This allows time to wander the grounds and absorb the atmosphere.
Information on official guided tours is not widely available. However, you can enhance your understanding by researching the history beforehand or hiring a local guide if available in the Asuka region.
Yes, Kawaradera Temple Ruins offer opportunities for photography, especially capturing the historical remnants and the surrounding landscape. The bamboo lighting events can also be particularly photogenic.
Kawaradera was one of the four great temples of Asuka, built in the mid-7th century. It's historically significant as potentially the first place in Japan where sutras were copied and was later used by Kobo Daishi.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, lunch is available at Kawaradera Temple, but reservations are typically required. It's best to contact the temple in advance to confirm availability and make a booking.
Reviews suggest that lunch is offered, often with a view overlooking rice fields, indicating a potentially traditional Japanese meal. Specific menus are best confirmed directly with the temple.
The Asuka region offers various dining options, including restaurants and cafes. Exploring the surrounding area can provide more choices if you don't dine at the temple itself.
While not explicitly mentioned, picnicking might be possible in designated areas. However, it's always respectful to check temple guidelines regarding food consumption on the grounds.
Dining hours at Kawaradera Temple are not specified in general reviews. It's crucial to inquire about meal times when making your reservation.
📸 📸 Photography
The expansive foundation stones offer a dramatic backdrop for photos. The statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten are also key subjects. Consider the surrounding natural landscape for scenic shots.
Drone usage is often restricted at historical and religious sites to preserve the atmosphere and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted inside buildings where artifacts are displayed. Always be mindful of signage and respect the sanctity of the site.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow. Consider the season for potential foliage or special lighting events.
Yes, special events like bamboo lighting are often highlighted for their visual appeal and are excellent opportunities for photography. Be prepared for potentially larger crowds during these times.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds, the grounds offer room to roam. Consider renting bicycles to make exploring the Asuka region, including the ruins, more fun for older children. Packing snacks and drinks is advisable, and checking for any special events that might appeal to younger visitors, like the bamboo lighting, could enhance the experience.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Researching the temple's history beforehand will greatly enrich the visit. The opportunity to potentially participate in sutra copying provides a unique, personal engagement with Buddhist traditions. The vastness of the ruins encourages a slow, reflective exploration, perfect for individual discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Kawaradera
Later, in the 9th century, the renowned Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism, was granted the temple by the Imperial Court. He utilized Kawaradera as a lodging place during his travels between Kyoto and Koyasan, further cementing its spiritual legacy. Despite its prominence, the temple suffered a devastating fire in 1191, leading to its eventual decline and the state of ruins we see today. The surviving statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten, however, are designated as Important Cultural Properties, offering a tangible link to its glorious past.
While the physical structures are largely gone, the vast foundation stones at Kawaradera Temple Ruins allow visitors to imagine the immense scale of the original complex. This historical depth makes it a compelling site for those interested in early Japanese Buddhism and the development of its cultural heritage. The site's historical importance is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeologial Sites of Japan's Ancient Capitals and Tomb Mounds'.
Experiencing Kawaradera Today
Beyond the historical ruins, the temple grounds are often praised for their pleasant atmosphere, overlooking rice fields, and the presence of friendly staff. Visitors can also engage in cultural activities such as sutra copying, offering a hands-on experience of Buddhist practices. The statues of Jikokuten and Tamonten, preserved in the main hall, are significant artistic and religious artifacts worth admiring up close.
Seasonal or special events, like the bamboo lighting, can transform the ruins into a magical landscape, creating a mysterious and unforgettable ambiance. These events, though not a permanent feature, highlight the potential for unique experiences at the site. Planning your visit to coincide with such events, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the grounds, can make for a deeply rewarding experience.
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