Futaiji Temple
Discover Futaiji Temple, a serene sanctuary in Nara, famed for its unique statues and deep connection to poet Ariwara no Narihira.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Futaiji Temple
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Futaiji Temple, a serene sanctuary in Nara, famed for its unique statues and deep connection to poet Ariwara no Narihira.
"A rare and exquisite statue, carved by Narihira himself, offering a glimpse into artistic and spiritual devotion."
🎯 Respectful Goshuin
Purchase a special goshuin (1,000 yen) to commemorate anniversaries. Available until Dec 2005.
🚶♀️ Explore Historical Road
Combine your visit with a walk along a historical road for a richer cultural experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Statue of Bodhisattva Kannon
Main Hall
A rare and exquisite statue, carved by Narihira himself, offering a glimpse into artistic and spiritual devotion.
The Five Great Kings
Main Hall
Rare statues influenced by esoteric Buddhism, surrounding the Kannon with a powerful, protective aura.
Ariwara no Narihira's Legacy
Temple Grounds
Explore the grounds of the former Kaya Palace, connected to the famed poet, adding historical depth to your visit.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Embrace the Artistic Details
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Respectful Goshuin
Purchase a special goshuin (1,000 yen) to commemorate anniversaries. Available until Dec 2005.
🚶♀️ Explore Historical Road
Combine your visit with a walk along a historical road for a richer cultural experience.
🌸 Admire Temple Flowers
Enjoy the various flowers and the Bodhisattva burial mound within the temple grounds.
✨ Witness Vivid Colors
The statue's colors remain remarkably vivid, a testament to its preservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Respectful Goshuin
Purchase a special goshuin (1,000 yen) to commemorate anniversaries. Available until Dec 2005.
🚶♀️ Explore Historical Road
Combine your visit with a walk along a historical road for a richer cultural experience.
🌸 Admire Temple Flowers
Enjoy the various flowers and the Bodhisattva burial mound within the temple grounds.
✨ Witness Vivid Colors
The statue's colors remain remarkably vivid, a testament to its preservation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors express deep respect and admiration for Futaiji Temple, highlighting its unique artistic treasures and historical significance. The temple is appreciated for its serene atmosphere and the rare opportunity to view its special statues. Some visitors note the temple's small size, which can be a positive for a focused visit but might be a drawback for those seeking extensive exploration.
"Lot's of respect and love from India 🇮🇳🙏🏻😊😊💐💐💐💐"
Devesh Rai
"It was built by Emperor Heizei's son Ariwara no Narihira on the site of his Kaya Palace. The principal image is a statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon carved by Narihira himself. It can only be viewed during special exhibition periods.
The temple is small, and within the grounds there is a Bodhisattva burial mound, as well as several types of flowers. After paying the admission fee at the temple gate, a staff member guided us to the main hall. At that time, we were also able to receive a red seal.
We were able to view the magnificent Buddha up close."
Yoshinori Sugiura
"六歌仙のひとり、在原業平が建立したお寺です。業平が雅な格好でめっちゃ悩んで歌を考えてる掛け軸を見ることができます。今も昔も何かを生み出す苦しみや楽しみは変わらないんですね。
ここの仏像群はみんな前に覗き込んでるような姿勢です。像を見渡せる位置に座るとちょうど目が合うようになってます。人間工学的に完璧な仕様です。平安の仏師たちの素晴らしい匠の技が垣間見えます。ご本尊は秘仏として長らくあったため、今でも作製当時の釉薬がしっかり残っており、美しい彩色を垣間見ることができます。"
ウフレクー
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Futaiji Temple is accessible from Kyoto Station. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's often recommended to combine it with visits to other Nara attractions. Consider local bus routes or taxis for the final leg of your journey.
Futaiji Temple is located in Nara, making it a potential stop when visiting other famous Nara sites like Todaiji Temple or Kasuga Taisha Shrine. +1
Exploring Nara is often best done by a combination of walking and local buses. For Futaiji Temple, check local bus schedules from Nara Station for the most direct route.
Given its location, planning your transport in advance is advisable. Consider a day pass for Nara's bus network if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Cycling is a popular way to explore Nara, and depending on your starting point, it could be an option. However, be prepared for varying terrain and distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an admission fee to enter Futaiji Temple. Visitors have reported paying an admission fee at the temple gate, and a staff member guides them to the main hall.
Yes, Futaiji Temple occasionally holds special exhibition periods where unique treasures, including the Bodhisattva Kannon statue, can be viewed. These are not always publicly accessible.
Specific opening hours can vary, especially for special exhibitions. It's best to check locally or consult recent visitor information before your visit.
Yes, you can obtain a special goshuin at Futaiji Temple, particularly for commemorative occasions like anniversaries. A special goshuin for the 1,200th anniversary of Narihira's birth was available until December 2005.
The temple is described as small, making it suitable for a focused visit. You can experience its main attractions and historical significance within a reasonable timeframe.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Futaiji Temple is known for its unique statues, including a rare standing statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon carved by Narihira himself, and the Five Great Kings influenced by esoteric Buddhism.
The temple was built by Emperor Heizei's son, Ariwara no Narihira, on the site of his Kaya Palace. It's deeply connected to this famed poet, adding a layer of literary history.
The Bodhisattva Kannon statue is a principal image and can only be viewed during special exhibition periods, making these times particularly sought after.
Visitors describe the temple as small and peaceful, offering a tranquil experience. The grounds feature various flowers and a Bodhisattva burial mound.
The temple grounds and its unique statues offer beautiful photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour light in the late afternoon.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple grounds, the main hall with its impressive statues, and the surrounding natural beauty offer excellent photo opportunities. The vivid colors of the statues are particularly striking.
While specific rules can vary, it's generally advisable to be discreet with photography inside sacred spaces. Always look for signage or ask temple staff if unsure.
The late afternoon offers a beautiful golden hour light that can enhance the atmosphere and colors of the temple and its statues, creating stunning photographic results.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and historical locations to preserve the peace and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
A versatile lens that can capture both wider temple grounds and detailed statue shots would be ideal. A tripod might be useful for low-light conditions, but check if they are allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more relaxed experience. The admission fee is reasonable, and the historical connection to a poet might be an interesting point to share with older children. Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited.
🏛️ History Buffs
The temple's architectural and artistic influences, particularly the rare esoteric Buddhist elements in the Five Great Kings statues, offer a deeper understanding of religious and cultural trends during the Heian period. The fact that certain treasures are only revealed during special exhibitions adds an element of discovery for dedicated researchers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Legacy of Futaiji Temple
Beyond the Kannon, the temple also houses the Five Great Kings. These statues are notable for their influence from esoteric Buddhism, a less common style found in Nara. Their presence adds a layer of mystique and power to the temple's spiritual atmosphere. The preservation of these statues, with their vivid and beautiful colors, is remarkable, with some attributing it to their status as 'secret Buddhas' only revealed periodically.
The temple itself is described as small, which allows visitors to focus on the intricate details of these artistic treasures. The grounds also feature a Bodhisattva burial mound and various flowers, contributing to a serene and contemplative environment. Experiencing Futaiji Temple is an immersion into a unique blend of poetry, art, and spirituality.
Understanding the Historical Context
The temple's principal image, the statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon, is attributed to Narihira himself. This is a significant detail, as it links the artistic creation directly to the historical figure. The fact that this statue is only viewable during special exhibition periods adds an element of exclusivity and anticipation for visitors.
Furthermore, the temple's association with esoteric Buddhism, as evidenced by the Five Great Kings statues, highlights the diverse religious influences present during the Heian period. This blend of aristocratic life, poetry, and evolving religious practices makes Futaiji Temple a fascinating destination for those interested in Japanese history and culture.
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