Hase-dera Temple

Hase-dera

Hase-dera Temple is located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, with the mountain name “Buzan.” The principal image enshrined here is an Eleven-Faced Kannon holding a vajra in the right hand and a water flask in the left. The temple was first established when the monk Dōmyō began constructing a Senju Dōban Tower on a small hill in 688 to pray for the recovery of Emperor Tenmu’s illness, and it gradually developed into what is now known as Hase-dera Temple. During the Heian period, the worship of Kannon flourished, and Hase-dera became highly favored by the aristocracy, attracting many visitors for pilgrimage. This is documented in both the essay “The Pillow Book” and the novel “The Tale of Genji,” both of which were completed during the Heian era.

Since its establishment, Hase-dera has endured several disasters and periods of destruction. Most of the current structures were rebuilt after the Meiji period. Among them, the Main Hall has been designated as a National Treasure, and the Niōmon Gate is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. A long corridor, made up of 399 stone steps, stretches from the Niōmon Gate to the Main Hall. This corridor features uniquely shaped oval Hase lanterns that are quite eye-catching. In addition, the temple grounds are home to numerous peonies and azaleas. From mid-April to early May each year, about 7,000 peonies of 150 varieties bloom vibrantly, earning the temple its longstanding reputation as the “Flower Temple.”

Hase Temple

Must-visit reason: One of the most beautiful temples in central Nara Prefecture

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Nara Prefecture [Nara Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: -市 [Sakurai]