Nara

Religiöse Stätten in Nara

Sacred Sites of Japan

Nara served as Japan's first permanent capital, leaving a legacy of architectural and spiritual landmarks. This collection features UNESCO World Heritage sites like Todai-ji, home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues, and Yakushiji, known for its distinct pagoda architecture. The list spans early Buddhist temples from the 8th century and ancient Shinto shrines, such as Isagawa Shrine, founded in 593. These sites showcase the evolution of Japanese religious architecture, from massive timber halls to the serene, moss-covered grounds of Akishino Temple.

Sacred Sites of Japan — Karte

Kanchi1979 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Todai-ji Temple

This temple, founded in the 8th century AD, is home to the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world, which is seated in The Great…

Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Yakushiji Temple

Yakushi-ji is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, and was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto,…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

C

Gangō-ji

One of the oldest temples in Japan, this Zen temple is definitely worth visiting.

D

Toshodaiji temple

Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan.

Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara encompasses eight places in the old capital Nara in Nara Prefecture,…

Johnny Guitaro / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Nigatsu Hall

Founded as early as in the 8th century, this important religious structure overlooks the city of Nara.

Degueulasse / CC BY 3.0

G

Yuga Shrine

This historical sight gets especially scenic during autumn when the shrine is surrounded by colorful leaves.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

H

Isagawa Shrine

Originally founded in 593, this hidden gem is definitely worth visiting for its historical and tranquil atmosphere.

KENPEI / CC-BY-SA-3.0

I

Himuro Shrine

Himuro Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It was established in 710.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

J

Shin Yakushi-ji Temple

Shin-Yakushi-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Kegon sect in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 747 by Empress Kōmyō.

Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Great Buddha Hall

As the main hall of Todai-ji, this is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. It houses a 15-meter-tall bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha, originally cast in the 8th century and later restored during the Edo period.

M338 / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Akishino Temple

This Buddhist temple was built in the 8th century. Inside it, be sure to check the numerous statues including the statue of Gigeiten.

Degueulasse / CC BY 3.0

M

Daianji

Daian-ji was founded during the Asuka period and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, Japan.

Fg2 / Public domain

N

Sangatsu Hall

The oldest structure in the Todai-ji complex, this 8th-century hall is dedicated to Fukukenjaku Kannon. It houses several National Treasures, including dry-lacquer and clay statues from the Nara period.

hiro / CC-BY-SA-3.0

O

Hokke-ji Temple

Hokke-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the Hokkeji neighborhood of the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.