Asukadera Temple

Map

History & Origins

Founded in 587 at the vow of Soga no Umako, it was built with the cooperation of craftsmen invited from the Korean Peninsula. Around 596 the first full temple complex in Japan was completed, and the temple was also called Hokoji. In 609 the Buddhist sculptor Tori (Kuratsukuri no Tori) completed the seated bronze Shaka Nyorai (Asuka Daibutsu). Many halls were lost to fires after the Heian period, but the Asuka Daibutsu has remained enshrined at the same site through repeated repairs to the present.

Highlights

The main image, the Asuka Daibutsu, is a seated bronze Shaka Nyorai 275.2 cm tall, designated an Important Cultural Property as one of Japan's oldest Buddhist statues. It has remained in the same place for over 1,400 years since the temple's founding, and its presence is overwhelming. The grounds also have a gorinto stone pagoda said to be the 'Mound of Iruka's Head,' conveying history connected with the Taika Reform. In 2015 it was also designated a component cultural property of a Japan Heritage story.

Visitor Guide

Take the Akakame Bus from Kashiharajingu-mae Station or Asuka Station on the Kintetsu line and get off right at the 'Asuka Daibutsu' stop. Please check opening hours and admission details with the temple (phone 0744-54-2126). Cycling is popular for touring Asuka Village, and it is recommended to spend half a day to a full day visiting together with nearby sites such as Ishibutai Kofun and Kame-ishi.

Best Season

The spring equinox season (March to April) and the autumn foliage season (October to November) bring many worshippers. The rural scenery of the whole of Asuka Village is especially beautiful in spring with rape blossoms and in autumn with ripening rice.

Blessings

Annual Events

• April

  Spring Higan-e (Spring Equinox Service)

  Services are held during the spring equinox week. This is a time when many visitors come to worship the Asuka Daibutsu, the oldest Buddha statue in Japan.

Travel Plan

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