[Authentic Nara Experience] Experience the history and culture of Nara on a "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage" trip (a stamp rally with special benefits is also available)

• Table of Contents
• What is the "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage"?
• Stamp rally in progress. You can receive hospitality and special offers.
• Buddha of Compassion "Hasedera Temple"
• The Buddha of Enlightenment "Muro-ji Temple"
• Buddha of Good Fortune "Okadera"
• Buddha of Wisdom "Abe Monjuin"

What is the "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage"?

The "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage" consists of Hasedera, Muroji, Okadera, and Abe Monjuin, all located in the central part of Nara Prefecture. Central Nara was originally the birthplace of Japan, and has been the site of many successive capitals. All four temples founded in this historic area boast a history of over 1,200 years, and all of their principal and central images are national treasures or important cultural properties. Many national treasures and important cultural properties are housed here, and flowers bloom in the temple grounds every season, attracting many worshippers from both within Japan and overseas.

For details on the "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage" click here

Stamp rally in progress. You can receive hospitality and special offers.

If you visit all six spots and collect all the stamps, you will receive a rosary made from the sacred wood of one of the "Nara Yamato Four Temples." In addition, the stamp rally comes with a "hospitality coupon" that can be used for free at about 50 stores, and you can receive special services by presenting it in the store.

Click here for details on the "Nara Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage" stamp rally

Buddha of Compassion "Hasedera Temple"

It is the origin of the numerous "Hasedera" temples found throughout Japan, and is a magnificent temple with 3,000 branch temples. It has been a sacred place since ancient times, and appears in the Tale of Genji and the Manyoshu. Cherry blossoms and peonies bloom in spring, hydrangeas in summer, maples in autumn, and winter peonies in winter.

For more information on Hasedera Temple, click here

The Buddha of Enlightenment "Muro-ji Temple"

This temple has graciously welcomed women into its grounds even in times when many temples did not allow women to enter. Located deep in the mountains where a clear stream flows, it has long been revered as a sacred place for those who worship the water god and the dragon god. The principal image of the temple in the beautiful Kondo is Shaka Nyorai.

For more information on "Muro-ji Temple," click here

Buddha of Good Fortune "Okadera"

Founded in 663, its official name is Ryugai-ji, but it is affectionately known as Okadera, the temple on the hill, and is loved by many. The principal image of the temple, Nyoirin Kannon, is the largest clay statue in Japan and was built during the Nara period. As Japan's first sacred place for warding off evil spirits, it is visited by many people from all over Japan to pray for protection from evil spirits.

For more information on "Okadera" click here

Buddha of Wisdom "Abe Monjuin"

Abe Monjuin Temple, which enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the largest statue in Japan at about 7m in height, as its principal image, has been around for over 1,300 years since its founding, but it continues to be protected as a prayer temple that attracts faith from many people.

For more information on Abe Monjuin Temple, click here

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