Hokke-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Hokke-ji Temple in Nara, Japan

Hokke-ji is a temple of the Kegon sect located in Nara City, Japan. It is a 10-minute walk from the site of the ancient capital Heijō-kyō, the Heijō Palace ruins. The main deity is the Eleven-faced Kannon, and it was founded by Empress Kōmyō. During the Nara period, it served as the national nunnery for all provinces in Japan and is one of the Three Great Convent Temples of Yamato. In 2010, the 1250th memorial service for Empress Kōmyō was held. The main hall was built during the Momoyama period and houses the National Treasure, a wooden statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon standing. By the way, the Eleven-faced Kannon statue can only be viewed for a few days each year during spring, summer, and autumn. The specific dates vary yearly, so visitors wishing to see it should check in advance.

Address: 882 Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Type: Temple

Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: +81 742-33-2261

Official website: http://www.hokkeji-nara.jp/

Opening hours:

9:00–17:00, last entry at 16:30

Admission:

Gate price: 500.0 JPY

Main Hall: Adults 500 JPY, junior high school students 300 JPY, elementary school students 200 JPY, people with disabilities 250 JPY. Main Hall (Honsonno Gokai) exhibition: Adults 700 JPY, junior high school students 500 JPY, elementary school students 300 JPY, people with disabilities 350 JPY. Kairyō Hall: Adults 300 JPY, junior high school students 200 JPY, elementary school students 100 JPY, people with disabilities 150 JPY.