[Nara, Japan - Hokuen-do] Experience the tranquility of Japan's legendary ancient temples
⛰Attraction guide:
Hokuen-do is one of the oldest temples in Nara, Japan. It was built in 669 and has a history of over 1,400 years. This typical Japanese temple architecture combines Buddhist culture and traditional Japanese architectural art, exuding a unique sense of tranquility.
📍Address: 58 Kitanocho, Nara, Nara Prefecture
🚗Transportation: About a 15-minute walk from Nara Station, or take a bus
🕙Opening hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm (open all year round)
💰Admission: JPY 500 (adults), JPY 300 (children)
🌟Highlights:
🏯 Hokuen-do is a wooden structure with vermilion as the main color. The eaves and flying eaves are staggered, in a typical Japanese temple style. The entire building consists of a main hall, corridor, bell tower, and more.
✅Main Hall: Built in the 8th century, it is the core building of Hokuen-do, enshrining a statue of Amitabha Buddha. The interior of the main hall is exquisitely decorated, inspiring reverence.
✅Fudo Myo-o Hall: Enshrines a statue of Fudo Myo-o, one of the deities of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. This small building is unique in Hokuen-do.
✅Garden: There is a classical Japanese garden in the temple, surrounded by ponds and winding corridors, which is quiet and pleasant. This is a great place to appreciate the unique charm of Hokuen-do.
📌Tips:
✅Please keep quiet when visiting and do not make noise.
✅Photography is prohibited in the temple. Please follow the rules.
✅From June 2, a special exhibition on the thousand-year history of Hokuen-do will be held.